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March’s local real estate activity indicated a relatively balanced market for both Sarasota and Manatee counties, but changing national and international dynamics could call that stability into question.The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee’s March report noted continued stability in the Sarasota and Manatee real estate markets, with steady single-family home activity and a strong presence of cash buyers tilting the overall trend slightly in favor of buyers. But as international economic headwinds shift following President Donald Trump's imposition of his tariff policies, and other countries' retaliation, the market could...

The Metuchen Edison Piscataway Area Branch of the NAACP’s Juneteenth celebration this year has been moved off federal property because of concerns it might violate President Trump's executive order targeting diversity, equity and inclusion.“We at the NAACP are being forced to relocate our annual Juneteenth Festival from federal grounds simply because it could be seen as a DEI initiative and risk retaliation under the Trump Administration's agenda. That's not just unacceptable – it's dangerous," said Reggie Johnson, president of this NAACP branch.The event, originally planned for June 7 at the...

Michael Stinziano  |  Guest ColumnistSouth Side homeowner Bonnie Mitchell sees 500% tax hikeSouth Side homeowner Bonnie Mitchell sees 500% tax hike, seeks relief through Legal Aid Society; is able to keep houseMichael Stinziano is Franklin County auditor.Re: "Will Ohio homeowners get property tax relief? Why lawmakers can’t agree on a fix," Feb. 24: Ohio does not have a property value problem; it has a property tax problem.Increasing home values are not the cause of unaffordable property tax bills in Franklin County. A byzantine, unconstitutional property tax system that forces underfunded schools...