Today's Letters: Tax loophole starts at homes

As everyone knows, Florida will need to raise money to offset the loss created by the additional homestead recently approved.

So, in line with this, I would like to report a loss of sales tax revenue of millions of dollars that the state fails to collect from air conditioning contractors. Some contractors are selling and installing temporary accessories, such as filters and ultraviolet lights, and not charging or collecting sales tax. These retail for up to $2,000 each.

This is not an improvement to real property as evidenced by the sales contract, which reads "If payment is not made seller can enter and recover the item. Improvements to real property not paid for can only be recovered by legal lien court procedure."

Louis F. Mlecka, Brooksville

Loss of dog devastates family

I just want everyone to know how devastating the loss of a pet can be. Our dog got out of our back yard several days ago, and it has traumatized the family.

We feel that someone has taken a liking to our pet and has not reported the find or returned her.

We both have dreams and nightmares about our dog. We both cry at the thought of her, or just seeing a favorite toy causes tears to flow. Even our other dog is suffering, not eating, looking for her at all hours. He just lies about the house moping. We fear he may have a broken heart - along with ours.

Please let everyone know they can find wonderful pets at one of the three animal shelters in this area, without holding on to a runaway and disrupting the lives of another family.

Bruce K. Smiley, Spring Hill

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[Last modified February 5, 2008, 21:25:40]