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Snowbirds at a tax disadvantage

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published January 15, 2007

I am a snowbird, one of 1.2-million nonresident owners of Florida property. I live in a wonderful apartment that I purchased in the year 2000. This apartment was not purchased as a short-term investment, as I anticipated spending the next 10-15 years of my retirement here in Clearwater.

During my annual six-month stay in Florida, I patronize the malls, supermarkets, theaters, gas stations, restaurants, etc., just like my next-door neighbor who lives in Clearwater 12 months of the year. I also pay utility bills, property insurance and property taxes for 12 months, just like my neighbor. However, there is a slight difference.

My neighbor qualifies for homestead tax relief. I cannot legally claim this. We both reside in the same building on the Intracoastal Waterway. My neighbor's apartment is approximately 100 square feet larger and enjoys a better water view. My current tax bill is 51/2 times greater than my neighbor's, a discriminatory, unconscionable inequity perpetrated by the Florida Legislature, to which snowbirds have no input.

Unless this situation is addressed and rectified soon, I envision many thousands of nonresident Florida owners pulling up stakes and seeking alternate venues to enjoy the winter sun and spend their retirement dollars. This would be a rather large economic blow to the state of Florida.

Wake up, Tallahassee.

William R. Keech, Clearwater

Re: Tarpon's port should be saved letter, Jan. 4

Tarpon Springs is better preserved

I was very impressed with the letter by George Billiris about saving Tarpon Springs and its docks. He's not only interested in saving Tarpon, but he wants to preserve what is already there. He also knows of what he writes, since he and his wife have been caring and concerned residents for many years.

Anyone driving into Tarpon Springs today will certainly notice the ugly condos directly across the road from the old Pappas restaurant, and they are an eyesore, to say the least. It just looks out of place for Tarpon and the surrounding buildings.

I've also noticed a couple of larger homes being built on smaller lots and they also look out of place.

I live in Clearwater but love going to Tarpon Springs, and I take family and friends there whenever they visit me. We were there twice this past week, not only to eat at Hellas, but to fish off the docks. It's a great place as it is and does not need condos and other tall structures to mar the old-town beauty.

Where would the beauty be in St. Augustine if the city fathers had decided to tear it all down and start over? The old and preserved city is so unique, and it's exactly why visitors flock to it every day. Where would other countries find visitors if they had not preserved so many of the old castles and old churches and even the old monasteries?

There is no earthly reason why Tarpon history should be torn down and condos and high-rises built, just for the almighty dollar. History should be preserved and cherished whenever possible.

America has become a country of, "tear down and start over," when it should be "make over, make do, or do without." We tend to spend money like it grows on trees, and all it accomplishes is more taxes for the already overburdened taxpayer. It makes no sense. Let's start preserving our history and stop throwing it away.

Fran Glaros, Clearwater

Re: Animal care, close up story, Jan. 2

Woman deserves honor for program

Your article about the Veterinary Science Academy at Tarpon Springs High School was a very nice tribute to the program and teachers there.

I feel that it falls far short of giving all of the praise that is due Debora Edwards. This lady has been an incredible inspiration to hundreds of students who have had the privilege of being in her classes and under her tutelage. Many students have stayed with this program and developed it into a career only because of her influence. She personifies what teaching is all about.

It was my rare honor to be a member of the same faculty for her 17 years there. I cannot think of enough to say about this wonderful educator. She and the other members of the academy are to be commended for the incredible job with their students.

Don A. Elliott, Tampa

Separate religion, government

It is not surprising to see all the letters to the editor about the actions of Brad Messick (who complained about a nativity scene on the lawn of Safety Harbor City Hall) and City Manager Billy Beckett (who moved the nativity scene inside the building) to be heavily weighted against them. A certain amount of courage is necessary to come out in favor of Mr. Messick's complaint and Mr. Beckett's administrative decision.

But it is not anti-Christian, anti-Christ, anti-God, anti-religion or anti-Christmas to make the statement that religious displays have no place on civic government property. I did not see the menorahs that are reported to have been on display at the city gazebo, but in my opinion, they should not have been there, either.

I send Hanukkah greetings, not Christmas cards, to my Jewish friends, and they do not send Hanukkah cards to me. There is a purpose in reminding each other of our mutual respect for faith and practice.

The enthusiasm for the reinstatement of the manger scene at City Hall would be better applied to urging churches of the Christian faith (as diverse as they themselves are) to mount manger scenes, live or artistically fashioned, on their grounds - or making a gift to one of them. Ditto menorahs, Kwanzaa symbols, etc. The "Christmas season" has made room for all of these to be celebrated in their places.

Preserving the role of civic establishments for civic duties is not anti-anything. It is pro-citizen, whoever that citizen might be. Some people gave up their lives for that concept. I thank Mr. Beckett for assuming his role in the management of city affairs.

Joan Walker, Safety Harbor

Re: In retirement, he's on a mission story, Jan. 5

Fred Marquis will be missed

"What a guy!" my husband said. I say, what a people's county administrator!

Thanks for introducing former Pinellas County Administrator Fred Marquis to those who have not known this man in action - the greatest administrator we've ever had, the man who, through the penny tax, brought us the Pinellas Trail.

He was revered by those who worked alongside him, by the county commissioners who appointed him, and the people of the county who knew him as a friend who would listen. His office was always open and he would return all telephone calls.

He is a godly man and a down-to-earth man who ate in the county diner without a tie and shook hands with hundreds of people each day. He is truly missed by all.

He and his lovely wife, Suzanne, are well matched, both having worked for God and helping those in need for many years. It is wonderful that the county recognizes their hard work and their covenant with all those who are less fortunate than most.

Fred, before coming stateside after leaving Korea, rebuilt a leper colony. This isn't the beginning of his love for God's people, and it is far from being the end.

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Marquis, for your good deeds. We miss you Fred. You will always be remembered in this county as the people's administrator.

Dee Jackson, Tarpon Springs

Re: Circus rings in a new year of performances story, Jan. 5

Animals treated poorly in circuses

All the families that are enticed to attend the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus or other circuses must not be aware of the inhumane abuse of the circus animals that perform. Elephants are often chained and made to perform by using bull hooks and electric prods. The Royal Bengal tigers spend most of their lives in small travel cages, traveling across the country all year.

There are circuses that present outstanding performers and acrobats (who love their work and get paid) and are extremely entertaining without using animals.

Carol Lushear, Dunedin

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified January 15, 2007, 07:39:55]