Mike Thomas -- OrlandoSentinel.com

Mike Thomas

COMMENTARY

Table is set for 2009, but others are poised to join political feast

November 18, 2008

One election cycle ends, and the next one is under way.

Recent columns

Urban center could help save Avalon Park from itself

November 16, 2008

Fifteen years ago the Orange County Commission approved Avalon Park, a controversial development designed to reshape Central Florida.
A simple plan to force upkeep of foreclosures

November 13, 2008

In June I wrote that summer rains would revitalize dry yards and reveal the hidden plague of abandoned homes.
Econ land deal muddied by plan for bridge

November 11, 2008

Not too long ago, the Econ River was a wilderness where you could get hopelessly lost enough to consider eating your canoe partner.
GOP can't ignore Hispanics and expect to thrive

November 6, 2008

What did this election say about the future of the Republican Party?
McCain loses to a superb campaigner — and to right-wing base of the GOP

November 5, 2008

President Barack Obama.
Despite flaws, McCain's plan is a better starting point to health-care reform

November 2, 2008

It's not the economy, stupid. It's health care.
Jacobs will leave Orange County Commission with a record of tough analysis

October 30, 2008

Let's pause from our focus on politicians about to be elected and reflect on one who is leaving.
Shady deal on Deseret adds to housing woes

October 28, 2008

It doesn't matter that there is an inventory of almost 25,000 unsold homes in Orange and Seminole.
Obama tax plan's roots date back 30 years

October 26, 2008

So how exactly does Barack Obama plan to spread the wealth?
Florida's global-warming goals look like expensive hot air

October 23, 2008

Florida has embarked on a noble mission to cool the globe and cut dependence on fossil fuels.
School-funding cuts jeopardize student gains

October 21, 2008

The Nap Ford Community School saves kids in Parramore. It gives them the same quality education kids in the suburbs receive.
Blaming Disney for using gun-law loophole is off target

July 13, 2008

I don't care whether Disney employees keep Glocks in their glove boxes.
Hooker ads: Policing them is legal quagmire

February 17, 2008

Did MBI get caught with its pants down?
Defuse bomb disaster boring into Vista Lakes

January 15, 2008

In Florida you can build on a skinny spit of land in the path of hurricanes.
I've got your new state song - take your pick

December 13, 2007

Have you listened to the three finalists in the state song contest?
With IKEA, the Swedes give us chic with cheap

November 11, 2007

This probably isn't something a local columnist should admit.
Water wars will land squarely on home turf

November 4, 2007

The state of Georgia is stealing our water.
Charter schools: Good idea, but tighten rules

April 1, 2007

We anchored the battleship USS Sentinel, loaded up the 16-inch guns and began firing away at charter schools last week.
Sirens aren't top option for weather alerts

February 6, 2007

In the aftermath of disaster, we question what our government could have done to lessen or prevent it.
So far, hurricane-season awards go to . . . anyone else but us

September 27, 2004

Fun is fun until your house gets hit by a tree. I ran outside, screaming in horror because I thought it squashed the air conditioner.
Saying goodbye once again to the one I love

September 3, 2004

I'll be with you in a second.
Charley's wake leaves long lines, short fuses

August 19, 2004

Luckily, as the father of a baby and 5-year-old, I'm used to cold showers and little sleep.
Shuttle safety competes with politics of day

February 4, 2003

Here is a framework from which to view the Columbia investigation.