Matt Walsh

Sarasota

Editor and CEO, Observer Media Group at Business Observer

Editor and CEO, Observer Media Group at Sarasota Observer

Editor/CEO, Observer Media Group Inc., Sarasota, Fla.

Articles

Two stormwater storms | Your Observer

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

Talk about storms. Sarasota County commissioners are fighting two storms — before the 2025 hurricane season even begins, and, if not handled well, these storms could blow the commissioners away. Storm 1: Stormwater management, specifically, figuring out what to do; how much to do; how to do it; how much money it’s going to take; and how much more everyone is going to pay to avoid a repeat of the 2024 flooding. It could grow to an electoral Category 4.
Speaker Perez has it right | Your Observer

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

While President Donald Trump and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson gloat over the passage of their “big beautiful bill” (which it is not — the spending and borrowing continue), Florida Speaker Danny Perez (R-Miami) is preparing for his own budget battle next month in the June special session. Let’s hope Perez and his House colleagues show Trump and Johnson how to cut spending for real. First, give Perez a lot of credit.
A missed opportunity? | Your Observer

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

In the words of that famous philosopher, Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast.” Yes, it’s a challenge to keep up and sort things. In the past week or so on Longboat Key, for instance:Longboat Key town commissioners and Manatee County commissioners discussed in a joint session again the idea of establishing a community center on the north end of the island. As our Carter Weinhofer reported:“… (T)he county and town stumbled upon a possible alternative space.
Arts can (and should) stand on their own | Your Observer

1 week ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

Whenever the region’s arts organizations and their leaders and representatives convene for a conference or summit, inevitably, discussions get around to lamenting the state of taxpayer funding for the arts. That occurred last week when arts leaders and supporters gathered for the Arts and Cultural Alliance’s Arts Summit at the Sarasota Opera House.
How we compare | Your Observer

2 weeks ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

Living in a capitalistic, competitive society, we all like to know how we compare. Are we best? Worst? First? Last? The Tampa Bay Partnership, a coalition of 40 regional business and nonprofit leaders, tracks the Greater Tampa Bay area in 67 metrics that are compared to 19 peer regions. The eight counties include Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus.
Manatee does it again | Your Observer

3 weeks ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

On May 6, the Manatee County Commission voted 6-0 to begin steps to determine whether it can terminate a contract with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch to co-pay for a roundabout at University Parkway and Legacy Boulevard. The next day, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch CEO Rex Jensen learned of the commission’s surprise vote.
There’s no need for search | Your Observer

1 month ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

You can say this about the five Sarasota city commissioners: To their credit, they are as earnest and dedicated as can be and want to do what is right and best for the city’s residents and taxpayers. But God love them, sometimes when you watch their meetings, that old joke comes to mind: They couldn’t organize a one-car parade. Ouch. Too harsh? Yes. But that’s not intended to be mean.
LBK survey: What about $? | Your Observer

1 month ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

Of course it’s good news — and frankly, of little surprise — that the results of the town of Longboat Key’s annual citizens survey were decisively positive. You hear it often — Longboat residents commenting how Longboat Key is their paradise. Yes, there is much to love and like — number one: the people; the physical appearance, Gulf of America/Mexico, Sarasota Bay, public and private amenities, worship institutions, Publix, restaurants, town services (especially public safety).
Tyranny of Trump's tariffs | Your Observer

1 month ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

Before the November 2024 presidential election, we offered this cynical (but true) assessment: After the votes are counted, all we really do when we replace a Democrat with a Republican in the White House, or vice versa, is trade one autocrat for another. One president’s and political party’s versions of interfering in our lives and taking away liberty versus the other president’s and party’s versions. They both stink.
Noted economists past and present on tariffs and free trade | Your Observer

1 month ago | yourobserver.com | Matt Walsh

In any discussion to understand free trade, protectionism and tariffs, there is no debate among credible economists: Free trade: good; protectionism and tariffs: bad. Likewise on these subjects, there are a few names that would (and should) top any list of free trade Hall of Famers — economists who have seen, studied and can explain how tariffs never end well.