Opinion | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Opinion

By Adrian Moore, Leonard Gilroy
August 14, 2025

Some federal land in Florida should be sold

Florida should follow Texas' lead by focusing on legalizing accessory dwelling units, streamlining permitting and loosening restrictive zoning regulations.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Tom Knight | District 3 Sarasota County Commissioner
July 30, 2025

With the gravy train about to crash, now is the time for county officials to start a diet

Sarasota County’s budget has grown 56% in the last four years. As revenue growth slows, spending needs to be trimmed to prepare for the future.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
July 30, 2025

One 'Mighty Banyan'

It's a wonderful story of college spirit and pride — how one of Sarasota's own, Anna Lazzara, created the new mascot for New College.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
July 23, 2025

What’s best for NCF, USF?

The governor should appoint a commission to determine what the best long-term structure should be for the Ringling, New College and USF.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
July 16, 2025

Corcoran's compelling case

When you see what is occurring at New College, Richard Corcoran’s vision for consolidating three institutions deserves serious examination.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Jeffrey Brandes, Adrian Moore, Edward Pinto
July 9, 2025

Housing plan falls short

The affordability crisis is not a market failure. Sarasota needs to remove barriers. Other cities have done so and are seeing meaningful results.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Letters to the Editor
July 2, 2025

The poles are gone, cheers to Lynn Larson

Longboat's undergrounding of utility wires means no more unsightly structures, says a reader.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
July 2, 2025

25 years devoted to liberty

For a quarter-century on the Fourth of July, we have used this page as a reminder of the magnitude of 1776.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Letters to the Editor
June 26, 2025

To veterans: Ignore the noise; be proud

Retired U.S. Marine Colonel says be proud of your service.

Longboat Key
Opinion

Emily Walsh
June 25, 2025

The show will go on

Marina Jack, operated by Suntex Marinas, and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens step up as this year’s sponsors of the city of Sarasota’s Fourth of July fireworks display.

Sarasota
Opinion

Matt Walsh
June 18, 2025

Fascist kings behead you

Calling Trump a fascist, dictator king is the Democrats’ new mantra to get you to hate Trump even more. The gullible protesters have no clue what a real king does.

Sarasota
Opinion

By Paul Grove
June 17, 2025

WEDU PBS isn't a luxury. It's a necessity.

If you're skeptical of funding media with taxpayer dollars, you're not alone. In fact, you're asking the right question: Should the federal government be in the business of funding media at all?