Opinion | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Opinion

By Adrian Moore, Eliza Terziev
May 21, 2025

How to boost affordability

There are some simple steps Sarasota city and county can take to relieve the lack of housing that is affordable — and it’s not requiring public subsidies.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 21, 2025

How we compare

Living in a capitalistic, competitive society, we all like to know how we compare. Are we best? Worst? First? Last?

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 14, 2025

Manatee does it again

Learning Manatee commissioners voted to pursue voiding a contract was too much for SMR’s Rex Jensen.

East County
Opinion

Matt Walsh
May 8, 2025

There’s no need for search

The idea of enduring the City Commission's search for a city manager could make you cringe. So why do it when the best and right candidate is already here?

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
April 30, 2025

Tyranny of Trump's tariffs

Who is ripping off whom in international trade. How can Donald Trump know more about tariffs than 250 years of economic evidence? Tariffs punish everyone.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Randall G. Holcombe
April 30, 2025

In truth, our trade deficits benefit Americans

While the Trump administration’s economic policies are aimed at least partly toward eliminating the nation’s balance of payments deficits, Americans should understand that they benefit from those deficits.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
April 30, 2025

Noted economists past and present on tariffs and free trade

In any discussion to understand free trade, protectionism and tariffs, there is no debate among credible economists: Free trade: good; protectionism and tariffs: bad.

Sarasota
Opinion

Mirabai Holland
April 28, 2025

Weight-loss drugs still require lifestyle changes

If you have to use the semaglutide medicines for weight loss, you still need exercise and a balanced diet.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Matt Walsh
April 23, 2025

A legacy for us to carry on

Modest, likable, trusted, respected, Charlie Stottlemyer is a testament to a life well-lived — and to which we should aspire.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Michael Harris
April 21, 2025

Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise

The historic Mira Mar was built in 60 days but has withstood time. Now crumbling, it needs to be saved.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Letters to the Editor
April 21, 2025

Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC

Both were created during challenging times and both show how an investment can pay off.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Adrian Moore, Zachary Christensen
April 16, 2025

Let kids be independent

Florida lawmakers are on the verge of giving parents more leeway in deciding how much independence to give to their children and not be charged with neglect.