Opinion

James "Jimmy" Carter PHOTO/THE CARTER CENTER

CAPITOL COLUMN — Jimmy Carter did it his way

Bill Cotterell

Thursday, January 2, 2025

When tempted to make political predictions, I always think of President Jimmy Carter. During an off-the-record social occasion at the Georgia governor’s mansion a half-century ago, Carter asked a few reporters what we thought of his candidacy for president.

As we put a bow on 2024 and move excitedly on to ’25, here is a short list of hopes, wishes and prayers for you in the coming year.

Wishes and prayers for 2025's arrival

Dirk Webb

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

It seems like last week that I wrote to you about the previous year. Is it me or does time seem to go faster and faster?As we put a bow on 2024 and move excitedly on to ’25, here is a short list of hopes, wishes and prayers for you in the coming year.May you sing, “Let it Go!

SLICES OF LIFE: The season of believing

Jill Pertler

Friday, December 27, 2024

I believe in Santa Claus. When you critically examine the whole narrative, what’s not to believe? Logic is logic and should dictate our beliefs, or lack thereof.Let’s start with the big guy’s attire.

Letters to the Editor: Dec. 26, 2024

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Opposing the Cypress Parkway-Southport Connector plan

News Staff

Friday, December 27, 2024

Residents not warming to CFX Southport Connector planDear Editor:In regards to the story, “Residents warming to revamped Southport Connector plan” (Dec. 12), residents are not warming up to the plan. Why?1.

Letters to the Editor — Dec. 6, 2023

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR — Traffic lawlessness a serious issue

News Staff

Friday, December 6, 2024

Dear Editor:I wanted to write about an issue, which I find to be extremely important, that being how much traffic laws are being ignored throughout Osceola County.This is a very serious issue, as it has led to many serious injuries and even death.

PHOTO/METRO CREATIVE

AS I SEE IT — It's time for government to open

Terry Lloyd

Friday, December 6, 2024

Let me repeat that, in case you thought you read, “It’s time for open government.”It’s time to open government. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, some legitimate security concerns had local government limiting access and hardening their facilities.

During the holidays, pay attention to your feelings and develop a plan for when you are feeling stressed, sad, or lonely. Avoid alcohol and drugs; while this is easier said than done for some people, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol.

GUEST EDITORIAL — Alcohol use tends to increase during the holidays

Nickolaus Hayes

Friday, December 6, 2024

During the holidays, overindulging in food—and alcohol—is widely accepted. Throughout history, for as long as the holiday season has been celebrated in the United States, we’ve been encouraged to have that extra drink or plate of food.

In the three times Trump has carried Florida, his victory margin has swelled from less than 150,000 in 2016 to nearly 1.5 million—growing apace with membership in the state GOP, which now has about 1 million more voters than the Democrats.

CAPITOL COLUMN — DeSantis gets last laugh

Bill Cotterell

Friday, November 22, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis wasn’t on the ballot on Nov. 5, but he won big.Democrats laughed at the governor this spring when his presidential campaign sank without a ripple in Iowa.

FROM THE EDITOR — Nov. 15, 2024

FROM THE EDITOR — What our local voters got right

Ken Jackson

Friday, November 15, 2024

I promise, this will be the last you’ll hear about the 2024 election—God willing and nobody files any local lawsuits.From candidates, to voters, to elections officials to party affiliates, you did a lot of hard work, which I recognize.Just under 175,000 residents cast a ballot.