Today's Letters: Many Sand Key folks aren't rich

Scooter at wrong spot

While I understand the desire of Eric P. Schaffer to absolve his father, Jack, of all responsibility for his own death in the accident in which his motorized scooter was hit by a pickup truck, his accusation that the man was "mowed down on the street by a driver with little or no regard for human life ... (who) could have simply touched the brakes or shifted lanes to avoid killing (him)" is ludicrous.

Regardless of Jack Schaffer's impressive war record and seemingly perfect corporate and family life, he opted to attempt to cross extremely busy Missouri Avenue in Largo at an unsafe location. The law may not require crosswalks to be used, but common sense dictates they are the safest way to get from one side of a heavily trafficked street to the other.

Placing blame on everyone but the guilty party may help ease the Schaffer family's grief, but their denial of the facts does not erase what led to this tragedy.

Thomas C. Rizzo Jr., Largo

Re: Work-release center draws neighbors' ire story, Dec. 16

Seniors risk to inmates

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast needs to reconsider the possible moving of an inmate work-release program to a location near a deed-restricted, 55-and-older mobile home park.

Anyone who has ever attended a board meeting of such groups knows the dangers awaiting those nonviolent inmates.

These are the groups that collectively support the death penalty, waterboarding, ignore the 10-items-or-less checkout line restrictions, and endanger the safety of all those who share sidewalks and roadways with their scooters and three-wheel bikes.

The safety of those inmates demands a location far away from the hazards of living near a deed-restricted, 55-and-older community.

John H. Mason, Clearwater

Re: Getting a laugh out of Sand Key's situation letter, Dec. 19

Sand Key is not all rich

So Carl J. Babnik of Dunedin is of the opinion that every homeowner on Sand Key is rich and deserves to have our only small bank and shopping center removed by developers because we destroyed the natural beauty of this lovely stretch of land many years ago. It just goes to show how perceptions can be thoroughly false.

If he will wipe away his tears of laughter at our sad plight, he might look back and examine property values in the late 1990s. Properties on Sand Key were hugely affordable by the middle class, many of whom are now mature adults living here on a fixed income. These individuals do not own second homes in Highlands, N.C., or elsewhere. They are highly dependent on the Sand Key shopping center, as are many convention and other visitors to Sand Key. In addition, they are trapped by the current property tax situation.

Surprised? Laughing harder?

It might be more of a gas to Mr. Babnik to see attractive Main Street shops in Dunedin bulldozed in the interest of monolithic hotels/condos.

Lou Hunter, Clearwater

Give pets gift of safety

In the past few weeks I have been contacted several times by folks finding loose dogs. These dogs were friendly and appeared pretty well-kept. But they had one other thing in common: no tags and no microchip. Readers, think about your pets. Make sure they are current on their shots, have proper identification, and if they aren't microchipped, consider doing that instead of shopping.

Keeping your pet safe is the best gift you can possibly give. So many agencies offer these services at discounted rates that the cost should not be an issue. Your pet gives you unconditional love every day. Give your pet the gift of love this Christmas. You'll feel good, and your pet will be safe.

Nancy Dively, Tarpon Springs