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Want our benefit? Then move here

Snowbirds at a tax disadvantage Jan. 15, letter by William R. Keech

Mr. Keech, you wrote, "I am a snowbird, one of 1.2-million nonresident owners of Florida property." Good for you. I am a resident here year-round.

You wrote, "I live in a wonderful apartment that I purchased." I own a home.

You wrote, "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." Well, so do I.

You wrote, "However, there is a slight difference. ... My neighbor qualifies for homestead tax relief."

Yes, there is a difference. I have committed to being a Florida resident, and you haven't. When a person is a resident, housing is viewed as a necessity, and you are therefore entitled to a homestead exemption. When you are a nonresident snowbird, housing is viewed as a luxury, since your primary residence is elsewhere, and you are not then entitled to a homestead exemption.

You wrote, "My current tax bill is 51/2 times greater than my neighbor's." Sorry, if you can't afford the luxury, don't continue owning it.

You wrote that the difference is "a discriminatory, unconscionable inequity perpetrated by the Florida Legislature, to which snowbirds have no input." The answer is quite simple: become a Florida resident, and you can have the homestead exemption and a voice in state affairs.

You wrote, "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."

I think we'll take our chances on that, Mr. Keech. Florida is still a destination, and our permanent (nonsnowbird) population continues to grow. Good luck in your endeavors.

David Gliewe, Clearwater

Stop means stop, even for bicycles

I am very much in favor of bikes sharing the roadways with cars as long as everybody follows the rules.

However, certain people who live in my over-55 park seem to think those rules do not apply to them, despite the monthly newsletters urging people on bikes to stop at all stop signs.

I almost hit two people on bikes on a recent night while I was driving. They had run through the stop sign. I told them to stop at all stop signs. They both threw me the finger.

This probably happens in other parks and apartment complexes because people on bikes seem to think the roadways inside parks are not real roadways.

Barbara E. McCann, Largo

Many thanks for Wall Springs

Pinellas County's Wall Springs Park, off the Pinellas Trail in Palm Harbor, is a real gem. The designer, developers and current maintenance personnel can take real pride in the results. It's a great bike destination along the trail with walking paths, views of the Intracoastal Waterway with many shore birds, as well as a children's playground.

Thanks to all those involved.

John E. Ralph, Dunedin

[Last modified January 19, 2007, 06:56:20]