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Opinion

  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Sharon Hillstrom
  • November 1, 2024
Storm response demonstrates spirit of humanity in Manatee County

Companies and organizations big and small have been on the front lines of helping post hurricane recovery.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jeffrey Brandes, Adrian Moore
  • October 18, 2024
Condo inspection laws need amending to avoid catastrophe

The law of unintended consequences is at play in well-meaning condo regulations. Some fixes could help the situation.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Letter to the Editor
  • September 14, 2024
Vote yes on Amendment 2, protect fishing, hunting

Fishing and hunting is a $15 billion economic engine in Florida, says local business owner.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Mark Vengroff
  • September 12, 2024
Developer: Action needed to eliminate barriers to workforce housing

The shortage of housing essential workers can afford is acute. But solutions are in the offing.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Sharon Hillstrom
  • August 28, 2024
Long-term planning in Manatee County pays even longer-term dividends

Tourism is big business all over Manatee County — and getting bigger.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Sharon Hillstrom
  • June 26, 2024
Businesses have multiple needs for hurricane preparedness

Planning and preparation are the keys to protecting people and property amid a storm.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 8, 2024
Don't let Florida become California

Increasing the supply of affordable housing takes a few common-sense steps. But local politicians are the big obstacle. They don’t have the will or courage.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Sharon Hillstrom
  • April 24, 2024
Wanted: Employers to hire interns — with wages paid by CareerSource Suncoast

The Summer Youth Employment Program helps address major issue across the region: finding skilled workers for a variety of jobs and positions.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 15, 2024
Colorado's move to recreational marijuana stinks

Will Florida go to pot? Floridians likely will vote to legalize pot. Arguments on each side are persuasive.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Sharon Hillstrom
  • February 28, 2024
Palmetto attracts business investment, revitalization to diversify tax base

A series of decisions begins to pay off in the city of Palmetto, nestled between St. Petersburg and Bradenton.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Jody Hudgins
  • February 1, 2024
Boosting civil legal aid: How Florida’s IOTA program leads the way

Retired banker says controversial rule is good for citizens — and his longtime profession.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By Corey Neil
  • February 1, 2024
Bankers seek reasonable solution on IOTA issue to avoid disruption

Industry leaders seek compromise over what they say is a unilateral — and not well thought out — rule change.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 24, 2024
What an effective president does

Senate President Kathleen Passidomo took her term to confront two threatening issues: workforce housing and doctor shortages. Time will tell whether she will be a goat or a GOAT.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 28, 2023
Words for 2024

At the start of each year, we pick a word to live by. We asked others to give us their word for 2024. They all make persuasive cases.

  • Opinion
  • For Subscribers Only
  • By AG Lafley
  • November 27, 2023
Sarasota businesses help with free programming at park

The Bay seeks to increase the number of businesses it partners with.

  • Opinion
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