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Opinion

    By
  • 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
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • May 13, 2025
County should study traffic before buying admin building

Give animals on University Parkway a brake, one Observer reader says.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • 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
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 7, 2025
Manatee's proposed $23.5 million purchase raises transparency issues

While buying a Lakewood Ranch building appears to be positive for East County, residents had little chance to offer input.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 7, 2025
LBK survey: What about $?

It's no surprise Longboat Key residents expressed high satisfaction in the town survey. That's great. But maybe they also should be asked about their taxes.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 30, 2025
Stillpoint Mission Appeal sets another record for Bob Smith and friends

Time to celebrate charity, and to get some swim lessons, in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • April 29, 2025
A united effort is needed

There's a short time left to raise the necessary funds for Longboat Key's new civic space and library.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
    By
  • 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
  • Jay Heater
  • April 16, 2025
LWR Community Foundation makes a statement by taking care of little problem

Its plaque to honor the humanitarian of the year is once again up-to-date.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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