Letters to the Editors

Plans for expanding preserve park long overdue

Editor: Re: Many factors will determine the nature of preserve park, June 21 guest column by Eugene M. Kelly:

I must take exception to the fact that members of the Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee feel they are committed to protecting the natural resources at Weekiwachee Preserve, thereby limiting public use. Yes, I respect the environmentalists and their interests, but let's get our priorities straight.

While the ESLC is concerned about the bald eagle, the open water habitats and existing wildlife, I think present plans for expanding the park are excellent and long overdue. Let's get our children out of the house, away from the TV sets and into an environment that offers them healthful exercise, fresh air, water sports and an appreciation of being part of the natural world.

To decry making Weekiwachee Preserve another high-intensity beach such as Pine Island and Roger's Park -- I say, pardon me for laughing out loud. These minuscule beaches are hardly representative of what the people in Hernando County deserve and need.

We should exert ourselves in every way to seize this opportunity to provide access to a more enjoyable and healthful lifestyle for our children and future residents. This could be our grand tribute to them.
-- Lorraine Queenan, Spring Hill

Water park is as bad as a Wal-Mart

Editor: This letter is directed toward the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Hernando County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Committee:

I didn't know Linda Pedersen, but apparently she was greatly admired. She had been described as dedicated to preserving the environment. She helped to spur the acquisition of the Weekiwachee Preserve. I wish I had known her.

I can't believe a person with that background would want a park, which was named in her honor, to have water slides and crowds of visitors. A heavily used water park is incompatible with the nature preserve. It would be as damaging as the nearby Wal-Mart will be. The additional traffic and noise might well sound the death knell of the purpose of the preserve.

Please don't approve the current expensive, inappropriate proposal for Pedersen Park.
-- Dorothy S. Carter, Spring Hill

How many big box stores is enough?

Editor: Maybe I missed something. What day did Wal-Mart get the key to Hernando County? I'm sure there must have been some sort of celebration.

Three supercenters and now a Sam's Club. Wow! If there wasn't so much smoke being laid down I would say things were pretty clear. And now because of a recent zoning law change the County Commission says its hands are tied. Gee, I wonder who voted for the zoning law change?

I read somewhere that Wal-Mart targets low- and middle-income people. Judging from the public outcry about affordable housing, I am assuming there are no low- and middle-income people living in Hernando County. What is Wal-Mart going to do, bus them in?

Kidding aside, just for a moment let's forget the irreparable damage four Wal-Marts are going to do to the small business community. I am wondering why there is no word from stores the likes of Publix and Eckerd's. If they do not feel they will be affected by this gluttonous corporate giant, they need to come up for air. But then, perhaps, they are off on their own store-on-every-street-corner crusade.

Why must everything in this county be in reaction to something? Why can't our government be on top of a situation for once instead of running around slamming doors? Given the red carpet to build three supercenters, Wal-Mart has the audacity to sneak in the door and drop a Sam's on us, or at least that is what we are told.

Stop it? No, we can't. The zoning law has been changed. There is a rule here being ignored. Laws can be changed back. The only thing I would drop is a large rock on Wal-Mart's progress. It would not build a park bench after this. How much asphalt must be laid down before enough is enough? Why was the "for sale" sign up in front of the Wal-Mart on U.S. 19 weeks before the supposed final decision was made to build the new store? When will Hernando County no longer be the laughingstock of Florida?

Speaking of laughing, perhaps the School Board might take some of the now-it's-here, now-it's-not $3.5-million and give teachers a much-deserved raise. Then we would not have so much egg on our face when we give an open house and no one shows up.
-- Jim Marsh, Spring Hill

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy takes toll

Editor: My story started nine years ago, and after two years of being tested and evaluated by many doctors, I was finally diagnosed with reflex sympathetic dystrophy. On a recent visit to a University of South Florida Clinic, while I waited for my appointment, a videotape showed the terrible effects of this disease.

It does not discriminate on the basis of age, affecting 3-year-olds as well as the elderly. RSD is so painful and depressing that many teens have committed suicide. Also, patients have had their limbs amputated, hoping to relieve the pain. What I saw on the video is our reality.

I'm hoping that by bringing information to local doctors, they and your readers will recognize RSD.

Early detection is important. If you suffer from chronic pain, you have a right to have it assessed and promptly treated. Be persistent.
-- Maureen Howell, Spring Hill

Doctor will be cleared of all charges

Editor: Re: Suit claims doctor drugged, raped woman, June 11 Times:

I was disappointed to again see an article in your paper about such a fine doctor as Dr. Hussain Armashi. To put his picture in with all those ridiculous allegations again is very disgusting.

I have been a patient of his for the past five or six years, and he has been nothing but a perfect gentleman and a wonderful doctor. I have met his wife and some of his family, and they are all such lovely people. I'm sure it hurts them to pick up the morning paper and have this facing them.

I'm sure he will be cleared of these stupid charges and he will be able to carry on with his work, which is helping so many people.
-- Ann L. Avis, Spring Hill

Block the Spring Haven Apartments

Editor: Having attended the meetings regarding Spring Haven Apartments and leaving very upset with the commission's attitude, I must tell you of my disappointment in their lack of loyalty to their constituents. It seems they are far more interested in big business than they are in community opinion.

I fail to understand their approval of additional apartments when there are "for rent" signs all over Spring Hill. My only hope is that by the next election we will vote in those who will consider the interests and opinions of the people they represent.

It seems no one has taken into consideration the schools, fire, water and traffic. Children will be walking to school in the roads (there are no sidewalks). The School Board just informed us it is considering requiring children who live within two miles of a school to walk instead of ride the bus.

Mariner Boulevard has no traffic light where the school crossing to the apartments would be. This whole scenario is unconscionable. Please veto this project.
-- Colleen and Calvin Double, Spring Hill

Share your views

The Hernando Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

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Send your letter to Hernando Times, 161 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601. To fax a letter call 754-6133. Send letters by e-mail (in text-only format) to hernando@sptimes.com.

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