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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.

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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.

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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.

Thank you, Ed McCrane, director of Sarasota Couny Emergency Services. Several members of our Venice Chapter, Florida Council of the Blind, troubled that many county services are not accessible to our blind or visually impaired folks, contacted the Speakers Bureau … Find out how to read more online.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and is championed by community behavioral health organizations and other nonprofits, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Sarasota County. May is dedicated to raising awareness about our community’s mental health … Find out how to read more online.

Bow tie. I’m very disappointed in Venice City Council Member Emilio Carlesimo this past week. He wore a bow tie knocking our new city attorney because the new city attorney wears one. After all these years, Emelio has never worn … Find out how to read more online.

SKY Academy Principal Oleh Bula is on paid administrative leave due to allegations of a hostile work environment at the school. The Gondolier Sun reported Wednesday that Bula had been put on leave, but due to undisclosed “personal” reasons, according … Find out how to read more online.

While attention has focused recently on Warm Mineral Springs, the future of another extraordinary natural site in North Port deserves far more concern than its getting. Little Salt Spring is a 111-acre nature preserve that contains a 220-foot deep sinkhole … Find out how to read more online.

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By now you have had to notice all the wonderful turtles and dolphins that have appeared over our fair city. We have our very own turtle over here at the Gondolier and we call him Turtle Scoop in honor of … Find out how to read more online.

He sees the light Editor: Now W’s invasion of Iraq makes sense. They should have told us long time ago about all the pressure cookers they found and destroyed in Iraq. I would have felt much better about the 10-year, … Find out how to read more online.

The city of Venice has done it. Sarasota has, too. Without undue rigamarole or ballyhoo, both cities have now passed simple domestic partnership registries that extend decent, humane benefits to committed unmarried couples, both gay and straight. It’s time for … Find out how to read more online.

Prom and graduation season, the Fourth of July and summer vacation give pause to parents of teenagers everywhere. Why? Because celebration paired with newfound freedom can trigger tragedy on our roads and highways. Indeed, young people themselves report that these … Find out how to read more online.

Not right. The failure to vote for the expanded gun background legislation to help keep American citizens safe was just plain ignorant. So now the United States is a stupid and violent society — horrible, just horrible. Coverage. I have … Find out how to read more online.

Nearing completion of the first phase of a restoration effort on the 2,200-acre Coral Creek Preserve, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is preparing for phase 2. The second phase could determine whether Coral Creek is a nursery for fingerling, … Find out how to read more online.

At this point, we have a hard time foreseeing a positive resolution of the ownership stalemate at Warm Mineral Springs between North Port and Sarasota County. It’s hard to believe that such a treasure — not just to North Port … Find out how to read more online.