Re: Return to once-a-week watering schedule, June 15 Times editorial:
Editor: The editorial stated that the Hernando County Commission should reinstate the once-a-week watering schedule that was once in place, in order to alleviate water pressure problems experienced by some Spring Hill residents. If this happens, all residents concerned with the appearance of their lawn and landscape will suffer - again.
During the county's quest for its "holy grail" - the acquisition of the Florida Water Services system - Spring Hill residents were assured that hookup to the county system and some minor improvements to the existing system would alleviate the problems with pressure. It is now reported that this simple solution is no longer simple and no longer a solution due to the inadequate size of the old Spring Hill supply lines. The commission has been informed by the utilities director that it will cost a fortune for the county to make the necessary changes, though no figures have actually been released to the public. The residents of the county now may be faced with increased restrictions on watering due to either poor planning, misinformation or deception by officials in our local government.
It is true that you can drive through many neighborhoods in this county and find countless residents who do not care about the appearance of their homes or property. At the same time, many more residents do care about the curb appeal of their home and the overall appearance of their neighborhood, town and county. Much time, effort and money is spent by many residents each year to keep their lawns healthy and beautiful.
Once-a-week watering prohibits healthy growth and vigor of a lawn, thereby allowing the invasion of insect pests and weeds.
It is correct that lawns only need one inch of water per week, but when the lawn receives the inch all at one time, much of the water leaches below the root zone. When this happens, the roots cannot utilize the moisture and the lawn begins to dry. This decreases its ability to withstand the sun's scorching heat. In essence, this is a waste of water.
Another point to consider is that the lawn care industry is vital to the thriving economy of Hernando County. This industry provides ever-increasing employment opportunities and is one of the few in our county that actually pays a so-called living wage. Once-a-week watering has hurt this industry in the past and will surely do so again.
The editorial also stated that once-a-week watering is a good conservation method and much water could have been "saved" if this schedule had still been in effect the past two years. It also stated that Floridan Aquifer levels are normal. It is not difficult for many to understand the relationship between rainfall and aquifer levels. When there is drought the levels fall. When there is adequate rainfall the levels rise. When there is above-average rainfall, as we experienced last summer, the aquifer fills, and in many areas purges upward, percolating up through lakes, such as it did Lake Crescent, thereby causing flooding. The water eventually flows out of the lake, making its way through unordinary or overfilled channels, to its final destination: the Gulf of Mexico. To me, that is a waste of water.
Water conservation is extremely important to the future of all Floridians, but it should not be used as an argument to hide the real issues facing our county.
The residents of this county may again be forced to use a Band-Aid for a problem that will continue to bleed. Short-term fixes will not solve long-term problems.
The commission insisted the acquisition of the Florida Water system would be beneficial to residents of Hernando county. So far, it has not shown any positive benefits, only negative results.
-- Jason Molka, Spring Hill
Homeless need help more than ever during summer
Editor: Look around Hernando County and you will see people trying to beat the summer heat - in their pool, sitting under a shade tree, sipping tea by the air conditioner. But where can a homeless person escape the extreme temperatures that come this time of year?
One place of refuge is at Jericho Road Ministries. We offer those with nowhere else to go a place out of the sun. We encourage our staff to look for signs of heat-related illness among people coming in off the streets.
We keep plenty of liquids available for people in need. Every year many homeless people in Hernando County suffer from heat-related causes and are taken by deputies to a local hospital.
Most folks think nothing of putting a few coins in a soda machine or stopping at the convenience store to pick up a fountain drink. But if you are homeless, you do not have that luxury. Sometimes its hard to find a place to get just a drink of water.
Here are some suggestions on effective help for homeless and poor people during the hot weather:
Don't give money handouts. Cash can be used to purchase alcohol or drugs that may inhibit the person's ability to sense the harmful effects of exposure to heat and the sun. Instead, give bottled water, purchase food items yourself, refer the person to an agency that can provide food, shelter and other assistance, or give coupons to restaurants or grocery stores that can be turned in for food.
Sunscreen and umbrellas can be given to protect people from the sun.
Food is often in short supply at homeless shelters during this time of year, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, canned juices and meats.
Electric fans are needed for families that do not have air conditioning in their homes.
Light and loose clothing is useful for those wanting to shower and clean up at the mission. New underwear and socks are always in demand.
Disposable diapers help homeless children cope with the heat. In hot weather, diapers need to be changed more often to combat heat and diaper rash.
Toiletry articles are always in demand and short supply.
Volunteers are urgently needed to help sort clothing and other donated items, provide transportation and delivery of supplies to people in need or for assistance in serving meals.
To find out more about how you can help homeless people survive during the summer heat, contact Jericho Road Ministries at 799-2912.
-- The Rev. Bruce Gimbel, Executive director
YOUR VOICE COUNTS
We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.sptimes.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.
If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.
All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.
Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length. We regret that not all letters can be printed.
