While the rest of the economy continues to spark back to life, the sun is shining stronger than ever on one critical leg of Florida’s economic stool. Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing corporation, recently released record-setting numbers for the … Find out how to read more online.

As you may know by now, the Circus Arena got somewhat of a reprieve after the mayor cast his vote to breathe life into the cause one more time on Monday. Orlando Bevington and his never-say-die group managed to get … Find out how to read more online.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m going to write a letter to the editor,” now’s the time. It’s that time of year. Our northern friends have returned to their summertime homes, our year-round residents have turned their thoughts to travel and … Find out how to read more online.

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Check Bush. This is for the Republican patriot who was talking about all the other news channels. They better check and see who owns Fox News. The person who owns Fox News should be in jail. And radio personality Rush … Find out how to read more online.

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The words “Wake Up” began with a “A” this week. Andrea, the tropical storm that whirled through Southwest Florida Thursday brought a lot of badly needed rain, some sporadic flooding and wind gusts that damaged homes in South Venice, but … Find out how to read more online.

Plotting. That soap opera on TV is a storyline coming from the White House. New characters are featured weekly on Sunday morning news shows putting a propagandized spin on the complicated and corrupt plot. I’m waiting for Vice President Biden … Find out how to read more online.

Annually, an estimated 5,959 people in a five-county territory — DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Manatee and Sarasota counties — will be diagnosed with cancer. The American Cancer Society is the best, most trusted source of information for our residents to turn … Find out how to read more online.

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“I am retiring and my last day is Friday, June 7th.” Those were not the words I was hoping to hear on that fateful morning a couple of weeks ago. After the delivery of her revelation, Kathi Walsh smiled really … Find out how to read more online.

Here’s the ‘indictment’ Editor: Rosemary Schiller’s letter extolling the wonders of Mr. Obama really struck a nerve. Let’s look at the facts: Solyndra, Fast & Furious, Benghazi, the IRS abuse, soldiers still in Afghanistan getting wounded or killed and Obamacare. … Find out how to read more online.

It is undeniably good news that the University of Miami has offered to sell Little Salt Spring to Sarasota County. The purchase would establish public ownership of one of the region’s most outstanding natural sites. And it would put the … Find out how to read more online.

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As of Oct. 1, it will be illegal to text while driving in Florida. Actually, it will be mostly illegal. State Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, finally got a ban passed after several years of trying but to do so had … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

There I sat, sweaty, tired, sore and drained, watching my two sons continue to goof around on the gym floor. They were both attempting half-court shots as I sat there wondering where they got the energy to keep going after … Find out how to read more online.

The third- and fourth-grade students from LE 15, from Island Village Montessori School, recently spent their Saturday afternoon working for a cause. These determined children were dressed like servers and actually took care of more than 100 guests at the … Find out how to read more online.

Cool it. Speaking of cruelty to animals, who leaves their dogs outside in this heat to cry and cry when they’re away? You have no idea how torturous that is for your neighbors. Have some consideration and keep your dog … Find out how to read more online.

You would have loved this guy. Bob Karlin was an animated, chubby ex-shop teacher. He had a smile that could light up the whole room. He was sitting there in the TV studio waiting for us to get our act … Find out how to read more online.

Considering a price tag as high as $72 million and no real timetable, the phrase “action plan” may seem a stretch for the measure approved last week by Sarasota County commissioners. But the board did embark on a course that … Find out how to read more online.

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Anyone who was around here on August 13, 2004, can easily empathize with the feelings of loss and disorientation experienced this week in Moore, Okla. We also recognize the challenges that lay ahead for residents as they try to rebuild … Find out how to read more online.

Earlier this month, my wife’s office received a notice of renewal from a periodical it regularly subscribes to. It appeared to be official and legitimate so workers sent a check to the address provided. Shortly thereafter, they received notice that … Find out how to read more online.

Wrath of grapes. When I go to a supermarket, many offer sanitary wipes for the cart. Many products have seals that protect against pilfering or contamination, but just try to buy a bag of protected grapes. I bought a bag … Find out how to read more online.

Washington is  stealing from us Editor: Are our elected officials in Washington guilty of stealing from us, our children and grandchildren? Sadly, the answer is yes. Our system is broken and I suspect there are many who will agree with … Find out how to read more online.

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Mother Nature reminded us of her awesome power again on Monday. While we felt her strength for a couple of hours, she flexed her muscles in Oklahoma with a devastating display of wind and destruction. My thoughts, prayers and condolences … Find out how to read more online.

Here’s one thumb up for the new elections reform law that largely returns Florida’s voting system to pre-2012-debacle levels and even adds some beneficial tweaks. The bill was approved by the Legislature late in the session after one controversial passage … Find out how to read more online.

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Gov. Rick Scott, playing to his political base ahead of the 2014 gubernatorial election campaign, scuttled a proposal Thursday that would have brought a thousand new jobs and billions of dollars in new tax revenue to Florida. The deal, sought … Find out how to read more online.

May is Older Americans Month — a time to recognize the vitality, contributions and achievements of older adults — and this year’s theme is Unleash the Power of Age. What better way to unleash your own power than by using … Find out how to read more online.

Saving the historic Venice Circus Arena is not a nostalgic indulgence as some critics have charged. Rather, it’s a vision of a future that builds on a rich entertainment legacy. It’s a legacy that should not be squandered by destruction … Find out how to read more online.

Barring a veto from the governor, the region is due to receive a $5 million windfall from the state that should further cement a new direction for sports tourism here. The Florida Legislature included $5 million in this year’s budget for … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

In America we get to choose the people who will govern our society at local, state and national levels. We listen to all the candidates’ campaign speeches detailing the promises each brings to the table, giving us hope for a … Find out how to read more online.

Athletes. Do I care if an athlete is gay? Who would? Athletes, Part II. No, I do not care if an athlete is gay. Trees and lights. Several months ago, I and several other shop owners signed a petition to … Find out how to read more online.

Find out how to read more online.

There seemed to be a disconnect in policies discussed by Sarasota County commissioners in the past couple of weeks. We were struck by three things: • During the recession, Sarasota County cut road maintenance funding to help balance the budget. … Find out how to read more online.