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Don't pin crisis on sinkholes, wind

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published February 14, 2007

Concerning the cost of homeowners insurance, here is some information the insurance industry and our government have failed to make public.

We have been led to believe that the high cost of insurance in our area is due primarily to increases for sinkhole and wind damage. Recently I was able to receive a quote for a homeowners policy that covers fire and liability with sinkhole and wind stripped out. The price I was quoted reflected an increase of about 700 percent over the past four years for equivalent coverage.

With sinkhole and wind damage stripped out, where is the justification for increases of this magnitude?

William Denegar, Spring Hill

Re: Two accidents claim two lives in 30 minutes Feb. 10 story

Bikers, watch out for older drivers

My problem is with the fact that usually when a motorcyclist is killed your coverage makes it seem like the biker is at fault. Your article stated, "Wilbert V. Knapp, 59, was killed when his motorcycle was heading north on U.S. 19 and hit a southbound vehicle trying to make a left turn onto Hiawatha Parkway."

This should more correctly read, "(The cyclist) was heading northbound on U.S. 19 when a southbound vehicle driven by a senior citizen, Claude E. Glimpse, 76, of Spring Hill, made an unsafe left turn into the path of the oncoming motorcycle while attempting to enter Hiawatha Parkway."

Cyclists beware: Most seniors do not see you, so ride as if they are out to get you and you may live to ride another day. I am a senior and a motorcycle rider and know whereof I speak!

Mike Pope, Spring Hill

Developer takes right approach

I have been a practicing physician in Hernando County for most of my life. It is my home and it is my parents' home. We have seen plenty of change in Brooksville and the surrounding area in our lifetimes and there is no doubt we are going to see a lot more. You see, Hernando County is growing up. It is experiencing some growing pains, but these are not unlike any others that a rural county might experience as urbanization reaches its doorstep.

I find it encouraging that the proposed Hickory Hill housing project is being proposed by Sierra Properties at a time early in the transition of the county. The project sets a bar for other developers to reach for as they court our landowners. Admittedly, it is a lofty goal in terms of the quality and lifestyle that Hickory Hill is targeting, but that is not the bar that I am concerned about.

Sierra Properties is proposing to truly be a responsible developer by being concerned about the wildlife, the groundwater and the open space. They have set a precedent in their other communities around the country that appeals to professionals and entrepreneurs, so why would someone think they would suddenly stop producing that type of community in Hernando County and not deliver on their commitments?

Furthermore, the financial benefits to Hernando County from this type of tax base are enormous. These facts are not refutable. High property value that is generated by this type of high-end project equals higher tax revenue for our county to use to improve services to all.

I might add finally that I look forward to the possibility of exploring relocating to Hickory Hill when it reaches fruition. I say this with confidence since I am certain the commissioners of Hernando County will certainly see the overall good this project brings to our landscape and vote to approve it.

Dr. Bob Hartzell, Spring Hill

Your voice counts

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[Last modified February 14, 2007, 06:59:39]