You know that old friend you reconnected with on Facebook and have been meaning to call but you just hadn’t made the time?
OUR POSITION: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order to be safer at home has had little, if any, impact so it seems.
OUR POSITION: Thousands of Floridians are paying the price for the state’s lackadaisical approach to problems with its unemployment website.
Did you know that if you can hold your breath for 10 seconds without straining, you don’t have COVID-19? And that if you do, onions can cure it?
OUR POSITION: A coordinated response from Punta Gorda and Charlotte County governments was a good example of how we should all be working together now for the best outcome in this pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the scariest thing most of us have faced.
OUR POSITION: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis showed an ugly side this past weekend when he had a reporter excluded from his news conference on the coronavirus.
OUR POSITION: Charlotte County commissioners are making some smart decisions in these difficult times.
OUR POSITION: It often takes a crisis or tragedy to bring people together and that’s what we are starting to see, hoping to see, here as the COVID-19 virus takes its toll.
OUR POSITION: The idea of a so-called “water czar” in Charlotte County is one we can support.
OUR POSITION: For now, it’s best to follow the government’s lead for everyone’s safety, but we have to ask how long can we stay shut down and how much good is it doing.
Sun Newspapers apologizes to our readers, many who were incensed about a letter to the editor in Sunday’s edition.
OUR POSITION: There has never been a better time to show appreciation for medical professionals.
The gloom from the impact of the COVID-19 virus has swept across Southwest Florida, seemingly leaving little to be happy about. We’re dealing with concerns over our health, a lack of entertainment options, poor supplies on grocery shelves and pleas to not congregate with friends.
You can file this good news under the category of every little bit helps.
We can soon quit complaining about the drive on Winchester Boulevard North. And the sooner the better.
OUR POSITION: People who are hoarding supplies because of the coronavirus are doing a disservice to their neighbors.
OUR POSITION: Local chambers of commerce are stepping up in this coronavirus crisis to give their members information, help they need.
OUR POSITION: Two area animals shelters are doing their best to make sure dogs and cats who are neglected or abandoned have a future.
Florida has long enjoyed a reputation for having broad public records and open meeting laws.
There’s a conspiracy theory for everything these days, and the coronavirus is no exception.
Everyone should soon receive a form in the mail from the Census Bureau. When you do, open it, fill it out and send it back. It is the law.
If you’re planning on having a couple of beers or a few drinks this weekend, you’d better do it at home. Or, have a designated driver with you.
OUR POSITION: As the nation tries to avoid panic over the spread of coronavirus, Florida’s elected officials and its health department must do a better job of keeping the public informed.
OUR POSITION: We’re pleased The Florida International Air Show will fly this year despite the inability of the Punta Gorda Airport to play host for the event.
People suspected of having coronavirus belong in isolation. Information about them does not.
The Sarasota County Commission is taking the initiative to ensure there’s a range of housing options for people who fill so many of the jobs we depend on.
OUR POSITION: Florida House Speaker José Oliva wants to do away with Visit Florida, the state’s tourism agency and the timing could not be worse.
OUR POSITION: We should all be concerned and cautious, but there is no need to panic about the COVID-19 virus.
OUR POSITION: There is still time for the public to let legislators know they want to be able to read public notices in their newspaper.
OUR POSITION: Lawmakers are remiss if they do not pass legislation this year to clear up how Marsy’s Law can/should be used regarding law enforcement officers whose names are hidden when they use force, including killing, suspects in an arrest.
OUR POSITION: Events like Punta Gorda’s Wine and Jazz Festival and the Seafood and Music Festival last weekend are big draws that boost the local economy and the area’s reputation.
OUR POSITION: Programs in Charlotte and Sarasota are doing the right thing by making sure inmates get the skills and support they need to thrive outside of jail.
The Sarasota County School Board voted last week to pay nearly $177,000 to a risk consulting firm to develop a better sexual harassment policy and conduct training on it.
OUR POSITION: A bill that would put New College of Florida in Sarasota under the auspices of Florida State University is not a great idea.
With animosity between party supporters already at an all-time high, buckle up for what promises to be one of the most contentious elections in modern U.S. history.
OUR POSITION: As the United Way of Charlotte County wraps up its annual fundraising campaign we must keep in mind the many lives that have been touched by this organization.
OUR POSITION: Charlotte County commissioners are getting serious about trying to bring more affordable housing here.
OUR POSITION: Water projects that provide promise for maintaining the health of Charlotte Harbor and regional waterways are good news, but the funds to see them through to fruition are being jeopardized.
A free society cannot function without vibrant professional newspapers. In light of that truism, the latest dire news for the news business _ that McClatchy newspapers, publisher of The Kansas City Star and almost 30 other newspapers in 14 states across America, is filing for bankruptcy _ sh…
OUR POSITION: We’re excited about plans to revamp Dearborn Street in Englewood, but concerned the schedule will conflict with the 2020-21 snowbird/tourist season, causing unneeded traffic headaches.
OUR POSITION: No one wants to kill a multimillion-dollar deal that would nearly complete the development of the old Murdock Village parcel, but commissioners need to get tough with Lost Lagoon.
OUR POSITION: Without trying to play judge or jury, it is difficult to fathom the dismissal of a lawsuit against the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Corizon Health in the death of Gregg Ireland.
OUR POSITION: The Florida Legislature is closer to passing laws to delete public notices from newspapers and that would be a blow to transparency and further burden the public’s accessibility to information.
The most fun, amusing, frustrating aspect of my job is turning out the letters we receive.
OUR POSITION: Legislation that would open the floodgates for short-term rentals would not be good for Punta Gorda, Venice or Florida in general.
‘The crack of the bat, the sound of baseballs thumping into gloves, the infield chatter are like birdsong to the baseball starved.”
A magic eraser.
OUR POSITION: Sailing regattas have put Charlotte County on the map with sailors all over the world.
OUR POSITION: Making a park out of county-owned property across from Sunseeker seems like a great option.