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Sarasota | Opinion

Lt. Col. James Doolittle, left foreground, and Navy Capt. Marc A. Mitscher, skipper of the USS Hornet, gathered the 79 other Raiders for a group photo prior to launching the Raid over Tokyo on April 18, 1942. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 10, 2016
A tribute to veterans

Take a break from the elections. Take in a good story of old-fashioned American patriotism and heroism to remind you of the America you love. On Friday, thank a vet.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 3, 2016
Leadership for others

While many Americans lament public office seekers and their sycophants who are in it for themselves, here are four volunteer civic leaders contributing for the right reasons.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 27, 2016
What’s the best path?

Put aside the candidates’ sins and flaws. Think instead about the best path forward to lighten the next generations’ debt burden and improve their standard of living.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Although many readers were critical of downtown Sarasota, others criticized the proliferation of bars and spoke positively about the city.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 13, 2016
Readers respond: Is Sarasota Fun?

We asked, and you told us whether you thought the city of Sarasota was an exciting place to be — and what officials should do to make it more fun.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • October 6, 2016
Amendment 1: Bad for the future

This proposed amendment appears to be for solar power. A closer look reveals its true intent is to protect utility companies’ profits.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 29, 2016
What leadership can do

Greater Sarasota-Manatee shares similarities with Colorado Springs. Both are growth markets with attractive amenities. But there’s one huge difference: leadership.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • September 22, 2016
A sensible path for Bobby Jones Golf Club

Private management is the right course for the city’s Bobby Jones Golf Club.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 8, 2016
Why beaches erode

Mother Nature, of course, constantly erodes the sand on the region’s beaches. But the government agencies certainly make matters worse when it comes to renourishing.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • September 1, 2016
Still no signs of urgency

When the season’s traffic woes finally ended (for the summer), everyone said: ‘We can’t live through that again.’ Yet we’re all still waiting to hear: What is the plan?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 25, 2016
Do-over in District 23 …

The Republican District 23 Senate race features four experienced lawmakers who would serve respectably. But their views on Medicaid change our point of view.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 17, 2016
We recommend …

While the presidential race saps everyone’s attention, the local races certainly have as great an effect, sometimes greater, on your everyday life than the national elections.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 11, 2016
Who’s in it for you?

Marco Rubio and Carlos Beruff share similar political philosophies about the role of government. The choice is one of character. Beruff, we believe, will put taxpayers first.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • August 4, 2016
‘No’ on Amendment 4

Property-tax breaks for solar-energy devices sounds and reads like an environmental Apple Pie issue. But with every new law, there are always winners and losers.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • July 28, 2016
Into the liar’s den

Republican Carlos Beruff knew that being a candidate for the U.S. Senate could get ugly. But calling him a ‘Charlie Crist Republican’? Now that’s nasty — and a lie.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 7, 2016
Affordable housing myths

Wages don’t tell the whole story about barriers to housing.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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