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Editor: One thing I noticed down here in comparison to up North is that there are very few - if any - full-service gas stations, which should be mandatory in Florida because of all the elderly and handicapped motorists. I am on oxygen and cannot fill my tank with my oxygen cannular in my nose.
Something has to be done about this. I recently stopped at one in Spring Hill, a Chevron station on Spring Hill Drive. There were orange cones in front of the pumps for full service. I opened the window and yelled to a gentleman going inside to ask the attendant if the pumps were working. He said he had no help to work the full service. I went to turn around and when I did, I bumped into this pickup truck putting air in his tank. Lucky for both of us my tire hit his bumper. I apologized, and the woman was nice enough to offer to pump my gas. I didn't get her name; but if she reads this, I really appreciated her kindness.
We should somehow get the politicians or the gas stations to have a full-service aisle for people like me.
Editor: Re: School bus drivers are careless, reckless, May 16 letter to the editor:
Recently, I was driving west on State Road 50 from Brooksville toward Mariner Boulevard. There was a school bus ahead of me. All of a sudden, the bus moved into the left lane, cutting off a pickup truck and sending him off the road onto the grass divider, where he almost flipped over.
I tried to get the attention of the driver, but she never even turned her head; she just went into the turning lane and made the left on Mariner. The driver of the pickup and/or the children could have been seriously injured.
The next day, I called the School Board transportation office. They told me that because the incident happened the day before I reported it, there was nothing they could do. I asked if the driver would be reprimanded and was told "probably not." What kind of reasoning is that?
This response really scares me, especially because my two young sons ride these buses to and from school every day. What is being done to protect these children?
Editor: Re: Educators who use pot don't belong in schools, May 22 letter to the editor:
I am a senior at Springstead High School, and I am writing in regard to the letter written by Laurel Hubbard. I realize everyone has an opinion, but I was very upset when I read this letter. I think this mother was unjustified in saying the things she did.
I have had Mrs. Dot Dodge as a principal in both elementary and high school. Through the years she has always been respected and been there for everyone at any time. I think that her privacy was invaded, and that her personal life is hers and none of anyone's business.
Now we no longer have her as our principal. Many seniors were looking forward to the biggest day of our lives when our principal of four years was supposed to present us with our diplomas, and now she won't be the one to give them out.
We all know that everyone in the world is not perfect, and we all make mistakes. She will be truly missed by many.
Editor: The Hernando County School Board has a chance to bring our school district to new heights by asking for a 1-cent sales tax increase for the next five to 10 years. The new Nature Coast Technical High School is a prime example of the excellence that can be achieved. This school was built with a half-cent sales tax.
The problems of overcrowding, along with fulfilling the smaller class-size amendment goals, could be met by building the schools that are needed now and in the near future. This also would allow the district to do away with the many portable classrooms in a timely manner. These portables are a money drain and are very dangerous in hurricane season.
Bringing excellence to our educational system will also help to draw new business and technology to our county. We will all be rewarded in this endeavor as property values will increase, and more high-paying jobs will become available to citizens in this community.
Let us not wait for the state government to determine our chance to excel. Let the residents of Hernando County bring our own school system to new heights.
Editor: Re: Ex-convict's political hopes are stymied, May 27 Times.
Actually, this Democratic hopeful is more than qualified for an elected office. He brings with him a criminal history and past that completely compromises his position.
Most politicians usually have to wait to be bought off by the lobbyists until after the election in order to enjoy a compromised status, whereas Mr. Roger Owen is way ahead of the game.
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