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Interstate link should go where the need is

Re: Will traffic trample tranquility?, July 2 Times:

I can appreciate the need for an express route from Interstate 75 to western Hernando County. No doubt, a limited-access route is the best way to do it. But is this proposed routing being done for the benefit of Hernando residents, or just a few land owners?

Maybe an expressway to the south is the best way. But it should be done to move traffic, not open new rural land to high-density development. That means no interchange should really be allowed between I-75 and U.S. 41. Limited access should be the rule here. That would protect, to some degree, the rural nature of the area. (Much better than an unlimited access road)

Perhaps a better option would be to convert sections of SR 50 into an expressway. Why not? It is being done on part of U.S. 19 to the south. Install service roads on both sides and a interchange every 4 miles. Near I-75, the road could snake to the south 2 miles to avoid the existing interchange. As it gets nearer to Brooksville you can either go south or overlay the expressway over truck route SR 50A.

Hernando does need an expressway. But it needs it for where the people are, not for where the cows are.

Stephen Donaldson, Dade City

Dogs are often delightful dinnertime companions

Re. Keep dogs where they belong, June 19 letter to the editor:

The letter about keeping dogs out of outdoor dining establishments apparently was written by someone with little knowledge about dogs. The majority of people who bring their companions to public places have well-behaved companions. Most establishments that allow you to bring your companion require you to be up to date on vaccines and have well-mannered pets.

To assume all companion animals are flea- and tick-infested, and that they all have accidents, is erroneous. If we focused more on educating the human side of this relationship, everyone would have a better understanding of how to coexist with companion animals.

Please help educate the public. If the writer does not want to dine with someone's companion; great; our state is filled with numerous dining establishments. Enjoy them and we will enjoy ours! But please educate yourself before making such statements.

Marie Owens, Jacksonville

[Last modified July 6, 2006, 12:17:43]