Published: June 11, 2005, Sarasota Herald Tribune

A developer has plans for 10,500 homes and 4.2 million square feet of commercial shopping centers on 5,800 acres of environmentally sensitive land in rural Sarasota County. The proposed development is called The Isles of Athena. This editorial catalogs the county’s efforts to preserve the property and the consequences should the excessive development plans be approved.

Published: May 1, 2002, Venice Gondolier Sun

In April 2001 a prescribed fire on Sarasota County’s T. Mabry Carlton Memorial Reserve escaped with catastrophic results. This editorial explores the lessons learned and resulting land management policies adopted to guard against such events in the future.

Published: December 18, 2007, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

This editorial argues against a proposed settlement agreement between local governments and phosphate companies. An alternative settlement proposal is offered that reconciles the disagreements that have been the subject of past litigation rather than eliminating the right for local governments to defend their citizens’ rights and protect the natural environment.

Published: August 7, 2002, Venice Gondolier Sun

In this editorial, Caspersen Beach; a renowned world class natural area beach in Venice Florida is described and celebrated. Some early childhood memories are included as well.

Published: November 5, 2007, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

This letter to the Editor commends U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses and promote sustainable energy initiatives.

Published: July 3, 2005, Sarasota Herald Tribune

The success of Sarasota County’s environmental lands programs are celebrated in this editorial. Also included are some program facts, community benefits, and brief mention of partnerships and environmental land management.

Published: December 10, 2003, Sarasota Herald Tribune
December 11, 2003, Pelican Press

Midnight Pass once connected Little Sarasota Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. The pass closed in 1983. This editorial acknowledges a conflict between a previously adopted policy of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners with a permit the County Commission is seeking to reopen the pass. While a policy adopted by the Board in July of 1997 commits to a natural pass, the permit requires the pass to be maintained in an unnatural state.

Published: November 10, 2002, Sarasota Herald-Tribune,
November 29, 2001, Pelican Press
December 21, 2002, Venice Gondolier Sun

This editorial debunks two common misconceptions about the loss of wildlife habitat. First; when natural habitats are destroyed, wildlife simply moves to another area and all is well. Secondly; wildlife has the ability to immediately adapt to human-altered habitats.

Published: July 26, 1998, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Pelican Press, July 23, 1998

This editorial encourages wildlife habitat improvements to the numerous dredge spoil islands found within the bays of Sarasota County. Intertidal wetland habitats are critical to the bays’ health and spoil islands offer an excellent opportunity to regain many of the wetland acres lost due to coastal development. However removal of noxious exotic vegetation would create an unwanted view for some waterfront property owners.

Published: November 20, 1996, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Outgoing Sarasota County Commissioners Charley Richards and Gene Matthews played proactive roles with their support of the County’s environmental lands acquisition program. This editorial commends their efforts.