Opinion | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Opinion

Matt Walsh
February 19, 2020

How not to make law

Although the idea of merging FSU and New College came as a shock, it is worth exploring. That should have been done before drafting a bill. Lawmakers often forget they are the servants, not kings.

Longboat Key
Opinion

By Sen. Joe Gruters and Reps.Wengay “Newt” Newton, Will Robinson, Margaret Good, Tommy Gregory and James Buchanan
February 18, 2020

My View: New College is a premier institution, let's not break it

Bill in Tallahassee would make Sarasota college part of FSU system.

Longboat Key
Opinion

By Ken Shelin
February 13, 2020

My View: City lacks leadership in development issues

Commissioners, Planning Board members aren't experts on land-use.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
February 13, 2020

The vision-less continues

We knew how the Bath & Racquet Club proposal would go — Sarasota’s own ‘Groundhog Day.’ At least Mayor Ahearn-Koch, a no voter again, has this right: The process needs to change.

Sarasota
Opinion

Adrian Moore
February 6, 2020

Vacation-rental regulations come down to local control versus state preemption

With so many cities going too far with regulations, state control makes sense. If you don’t like vacation rentals, form an HOA.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 29, 2020

Islanders to city: Fix 41-bridge backups now

Call city commissioners, and demand they do more to eliminate the backups. Their inaction is hurting the economy.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 23, 2020

Another tee shot goes 'OB'

Taxpayers are expected to subsidize the Bobby Jones Golf Club in the current fiscal year.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 23, 2020

The pressure is on, Mote

With the Sarasota County Commission agreeing to front $20 million to Mote Marine for its aquarium from bed taxes, the bigger challenge is yet to come: proving its vision is real.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 23, 2020

Who should rule vacation rentals?

Local governments across Florida struggle to deal with regulating vacation rentals.

Sarasota
Opinion

Adrian Moore
January 16, 2020

Bending the numbers for Benderson Park

How trustworthy are indirect economic benefits?

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 8, 2020

2019 is a case for change

Three big decisions by the Sarasota City Commission definitively demonstrated that the city’s leadership structure doesn’t work. As the city matures, it needs a leader.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
January 1, 2020

2020 word of the year: Make it a ‘Golden’ year

Given the past three years of strife in Washington, one word that comes to mind is ‘stop’ — as ‘Stop it!’ But a better approach is to take the high road: the Golden Rule.