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Letters to the Editor

County must act on illegal fireworks before tragedy hits

County must act on illegal fireworks before tragedy hits

After witnessing the deluge of firecrackers that rained down on residences of Orchid Lake Village, Port Richey, this Fourth of July, it's time for those local officials responsible for allowing this madness to continue be held responsible for their do-nothing attitude. Last year, I had to get out my garden hose to deflect the incoming missiles landing on my car and house. This year,a large rocket exploded off my front door and permanently scarred three patio tiles.

It has become quite obvious there are too many individuals obsessed with firecracker mania who have little or no regard for the safety of others or their property. The time for county officials to act is now, not after someone is seriously injured or their dwelling set afire.

Alex Campbell, Port Richey

It's time to end holiday barrages

Re: Fireworks

Once again, I feel as if I live in a war zone. The week leading up to July 4, every night was filled with a barrage of ground-shaking, window-rattling light shows.

I understand people want to celebrate the Fourth of July, and even New Year's Eve. But it has gotten so out of hand. Now it happens several days before and after any holiday or birthday. People now seem to believe this is an acceptable way to celebrate anything they wish. Or just to pass the time. And they do it for hours on end. The last few years have gotten much worse. Since fireworks vendors started selling the heavy artillery, it is almost unbearable. It goes on from dusk to midnight or 1 a.m. It is just too much.

I have dogs and horses that are scared to death of the booms, whistles and colorful sprays. The dogs stay in the house and hide. But I spend those hours at the barn trying to keep the horses calm so they don't panic and injure themselves.

If you call the Sheriff's Office, they just tell you there are a hundred fireworks calls ahead of you. They don't have the manpower to do anything about it.

I cannot believe the state of Florida and all the counties and municipalities knowingly permit the sale of illegal fireworks. The verification form purchasers sign is willful fraud. You will never be able to stop them from being used as long as you permit them to be sold.

The government works very hard to stop the sale and use of illegal drugs. And violators of traffic laws get hefty fines. But people selling and using illegal fireworks don't even get a slap on the wrist.

Is it a case of who has the most powerful lobby? Are the counties afraid of being sued by these fireworks vendors that are knowingly violating the law by selling illegal fireworks? As citizens, we have the right to peaceful enjoyment of our homes. Our rights are being violated!

Everyone who feels the way I do needs to write to the county commissioners and state legislators and even the governor. If you do nothing it will only get worse.

Gladys Newton, Hudson

What can county do on insurance?

It appears the governor and Legislature have done nothing to resolve the insurance crisis.

I would ask what are the leaders of Pasco County doing to resolve the insurance crisis?

Rudy Sinkovich, New Port Richey

Thanks to all who helped on light

On, June 26, I received a letter from Gary Thompson, district traffic engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation, informing me of the decision that San Antonio would get a red light at the intersection of State Road 52 and Curley Road. This was the result of a petition drive in which approximately 3,000 caring people signed their names asking for a speedy resolution to our problem.

I would like to thank each person who signed the petition; the Department of Transportation; Chuin-Wei of the St. Petersburg Times, Keith Hanson of the Zephyrhills News for their well-written articles; the city of San Antonio office staff and commission for their letter of support; the family of Pauline Ferrell, whose death was the catalyst for starting the petition, for their help; each business that kindly let me place the petitions on counters and bulletin boards; and a special thanks to state Rep. Ken Littlefield, who interceded on our behalf.

The best news is that we will get the light by midsummer. This is a wonderful example of many people working together to make something they believe in happen and of government listening to the people. God bless America!

Diane Jones, San Antonio

Nation needs health insurance plan

Pasco County and discount drug cards miss the mark.

How do you get a prescription in the first place? Well from a doctor who also will send you for all kinds of tests first. So here we are up the creek without a paddle.

If you don't have health insurance, you cannot pay the doctor nor the tests that follow. So you will never get that desperately needed prescription.

All Americans should have the ability to buy affordable health insurance. Our country's leadership spends trillion of dollars instead on other countries.

Larry Greenberg, Hudson

Article missed the mark widely

The article and headline Waterfront project leads to questions, leads one to question where the author got her information.

Dan McMullen has been a good neighbor and friend to the residents at Pointe Pleasant Harbour for many years. Anything he has done at his home, has always been above board and done right. On several occasions, he has helped the condo association.

To say this caused a ruckus with the residents is not accurate. To say residents thought workers were cutting mangroves was inaccurate. Only the complainer said that. This is the second time a complaint of cutting mangroves on his property was filed and each time it has been proven unfounded.

Lastly, why does the author keep quoting Jim Priest, who lost the last election? Who is he to always be quoted?

Ed Olson, Port Richey

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[Last modified July 20, 2006, 07:11:51]