Opinion
When tragedy strikes, local journalism leads
The following was originally published July 12, 2025, at editorandpublisher.com and is a transcript of a vodcast series hosted by Mike Blinder. This perfectly encompasses how our newspapers and reporters feel about the role of newspapers.
Losing local control
Like most bills that go through the legislature in Florida, Senate Bill 180 is a mixed bag of good intentions and concerning consequences. Signed into law last month, this sweeping legislation is designed to improve hurricane recovery and emergency preparedness across the state. But while its goals appear laudable on the surface, the law raises serious red flags about local autonomy, land-use regulation and long-term community resilience.
“Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor”
It was a glorious morning. The sun was shining and the wind was from the Southeast. Up especially early, a tall bony, redheaded young Virginian found time to buy a new thermometer, for which he paid three pounds, fifteen shillings. He also bought gloves for Martha, his wife, who was ill at home.
Planning now for hurricane season is smart and essential
The 2025 hurricane season began quietly June 1 – and we hope the rest of the season is just as quiet. Those of us who have lived here long enough know that is not a likely situation. There will be threats of storms and we will just hope for the best outcome. But there are certain things you can do to give yourself a head start.
Out and About
Sandi Kemp
April 17, 2025
April 17, 2025
My column this week may be considered “religious,” but I’m going to be as factual as possible and even include a historian who was a Jew, but didn’t necessarily believe Jesus was the prophesied messiah.
Jackson’s view
Jackson Buhler
July 18, 2025
July 18, 2025
I was sitting at home watching the Major League Baseball Draft earlier this month.
Along with the pageantry of ESPN interviewing the first pick, 17-year-old Eli Willits and fellow high schooler, Ethan Holliday, it struck me just how poised the young men were.
For God’s Sake
Rev. Mark Broadhead
July 16, 2025
July 16, 2025
“You learn something new every day,” says the familiar adage. My joy is found in learning something new in things familiar.