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Opinion

Harvey Vengroff at the Oakridge Apartments, formerly Sarasota Airport Hotel. Photo by Mark Wemple
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 10, 2015
Find a way to say yes

Capital flows where it is welcome. So Sarasota entrepreneur Harvey Vengroff is taking his capital to Manatee. City commissioners could change the story with leadership.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 10, 2015
Sarasota Letters to the Editor 12.10.15

Confusing opinion; Don't ignore Native American side of history

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Niki Muller, of Longboat Key, submitted this photo of a sparrow on a fence.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 10, 2015
Longboat Key weather page photo: Dec. 10

Niki Muller, of Longboat Key, submitted this photo of a sparrow on a fence.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 9, 2015
Cost vs. benefit of no poles

If Longboat voters approve underground lines for neighborhoods, the town’s long-term debt will go up 580%. Stunning. But in context, it’ll be worth the investment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 9, 2015
Longboat Key Letters to the Editor 12.10.15

Readers respond to new crosswalks on Longboat Key.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 2, 2015
Refugee Rule of One

Before you become part of the chorus of altruists chastising Florida Gov. Rick Scott for wanting a pause on Syrian refugees, you should apply Arthur Laffer’s Rule of One.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Secretary of State John Kerry outlines the process of vetting refugees.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 2, 2015
Kerry outlines refugee vetting process

Kerry outlines refugee vetting process

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 26, 2015
How we are rooted in God

For many, Thanksgiving Day will bring a respite from the turbulence.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 26, 2015
How we are rooted in God

For many, Thanksgiving Day will bring a respite from the turbulence.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Pinellas Safe Harbor
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 19, 2015
Failed model in Pinellas

The data from Pinellas County’s come-as-you-are homeless shelter doesn’t bode well for Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 18, 2015
The collective vs. individual

Elected officials typically gravitate to decisions favoring the collective. But in the case of underground utility lines, each neighborhood should have a choice.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • November 18, 2015
Country Club Village home tops sales at $1.53 million

A home in Country Club Village at Lakewood Ranch topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.

  • East County
  • Real Estate
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 12, 2015
School boards wrong again

Now that property values and home building are rising again, the Sarasota and Manatee school boards see an easy target for money: jack up the price of new homes.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 12, 2015
‘The Wonderful Spirit’

Longboat Key's 60th anniversary

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 6, 2015
Rubio vs. Bush

Three debates are telling. But they also are only a snapshot of Florida’s homegrown candidates. Indeed, it’s a long journey. There’s more to them to get to know.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Latest News

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Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
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Sarasota nonprofit Casting For The Kids helps children with cancer and their families breathe a little easier.
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Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
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Longboat Key Police Department Customer Service Specialist Ivan Zunz shakes hands with Police Chief Russ Mager at a Town Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 2. Zunz was recognized for 10 years with LKPD at the meeting.
  • February 5, 2026
Ivan Zunz recognized for a decade with LKPD

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