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Opinion

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 4, 2018
Ben Franklin, we need you more than ever

To preserve what our founders created, Ben Franklin knew it depended on our having the proper temper in the public square.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 27, 2018
Stick to education

It should have been obvious from the start: Let the public-safety experts protect the students.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 20, 2018
Money for Mote

A growing list of organizations wants millions of dollars from Sarasota County’s tourist tax. Mote Marine has a vision that makes it far worthier than funding a baseball stadium.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Renderings courtesy Center for Healing and Hope
    By
  • Emily Walsh
  • June 14, 2018
Need for foster parents grows

Sarasota philanthropists and children’s organizations are spearheading innovative efforts to find more foster parents and help the children overcome their trauma.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 13, 2018
Meet the new boss: NPA

The Republican and Democratic parties continue to lose their influence, as the Non-Party Affiliates (independents) continue to grow. To win in Florida now, you need to win the NPAs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 13, 2018
To solve traffic, remember the line: ‘What’s in it for me?’

Town Commission should continue to lobby FDOT and work with Bradenton Beach and Sarasota to ameliorate the traffic backups

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Columnist .
  • June 7, 2018
Longboat Key Letters to the Editor

Longboat readers sound off on issues.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • June 7, 2018
What driverless cars might mean for Sarasota

Driverless cars can help in Sarasota

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Marty Rappaport
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 7, 2018
Persistence brings shine to a jewel

Mary Rappaport and St. Armands Circle

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Longboat Key Mayor George Spoll
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 6, 2018
Blustery, yes, but right

George Spoll takes it to Bradenton Beach.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
U.S. Marines after the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I in France
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • June 6, 2018
D-Day and 100 years after Belleau Wood

D-Day and the Battle of Belleau Woods

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Martin Hyde
  • By Martin Hyde | Contributor
  • June 5, 2018
Martin Hyde: Prophetic? City challenges came to fruition

We’ve been hearing empty promises from City Hall for years — from people who can’t, or won’t, fulfill them.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Among the projects facing taxpayers is $250 million, probably more, to build one or two performing arts centers on The Bay site, while preserving the existing Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which will need refurbishing.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 31, 2018
Vote of no confidence

Given their history, it’s difficult to think Sarasotacommissioners can make the right decisions on the bayfront. They should charge The Bay’s board to present a plan to voters.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 30, 2018
Population fuels spending

Florida's growth is good news.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sandy Loevner and Jan Crudele, with the Florida Winefest & Auction.
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • May 23, 2018
Follow the money

The Winefest awarded $187,300. Over its 28 years, it has donated more than $8.5 million to charities that help children — and this is just one small organization in Sarasota’s huge philanthropy scene.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Latest News

1
Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key Past President Michael Garey said he heard of the Miracle League of Manasota when his daughter, Amelia, volunteered as a buddy to the athletes. Garey suggested the 501(c)(3) as the club's new charitable partner, which board members recently accepted.
  • June 22, 2026
Accessible baseball league benefits from Kiwanis pancake breakfast funds
2
Kiki Bullas will be busy over the next few weeks competing in the USATF and AAU regional track and field junior olympics, hoping to reach the national competition in both.
  • June 22, 2026
East County Athlete of the Week: Kiki Bullas
3
A May 2024 rendering of the Sarasota County library on Longboat Key.
  • June 22, 2026
Property tax overhaul may put Longboat Key library in jeopardy
4
Manatee County staff and key stakeholders toss ceremonial dirt to kick off construction on a half-mile trail segment that will span from the Lake Manatee Water Treatment Plant to Rye Preserver.
  • June 22, 2026
Trail system breaks ground near Lake Manatee
5
Sienna Linn, a rising first grader at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, says she has no pets at home but has had a blast with her dog, Mia, at the Little Vet School camp.
  • June 20, 2026
Little Vet School teaches skills at The Out-of-Door Academy's summer camp

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