Letters to the Editors

Will water restrictions invade other facets of life?

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 7, 2000

Editor: I wonder whether the genius who came up with the idea of watering lawns once a week is going to tell us when we can take our baths or showers.

Does the Southwest Florida Water Management District realize that people now are watering twice every Tuesday, once in the morning and again in the evening? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if somebody waters their lawn for 30 minutes a zone once on Tuesday and once on Saturday, it uses a given amount of water. If someone waters the lawn twice only on Tuesday, it will use the same amount of water. What have we saved? Yet it is better for their lawn to water on the two-day schedule.

On the evening of May 2, I noticed many people watering their lawns who I also observed watering that morning. I also noticed a big drop in my water pressure when I went to take a shower. Does this mean Swiftmud is going to rule that residents in Hernando County will have to schedule their showers for another time? I would hope our County Commission would tell Swiftmud their plan won't work and we should go back to the twice-a-week schedule.

If we are so short of water, I would suggest stopping all construction in the area. If we don't have enough water, how can the area support more people?
-- Jon Knudson, Spring Hill

Case shows why officials should be watched closely

Editor: Re: Examiner operated in virtual absence, April 30 Times:

The medical examiner is missing. His daughter walks away with $100,000 from Leesburg, where she held a similar position.

Is anyone watching the store?

Remember some time ago, we had a lawyer living one place and voting in another. Something is not wrong in Denmark -- it's right here in Florida, and even closer in Hernando.
-- Clem Johnson, Spring Hill

Respect should be taught for every living creature

Editor: Re: May 2 Hernando Times guest column by attorney John M. Keller, Laws also protect feathered, furry creatures from abuse:

If I were in need of a good lawyer, I would certainly consider Keller. I think that column is a perfect handout for every veterinarian and every pound or agency that sells or gives pets to each new owner. While giving thought to all of the abuse of pets and other living creatures, I would think their humane treatment should be part and parcel of any class in school that teaches children social values and how to live by the Golden Rule, etc.

In the third paragraph of his commentary, Mr. Keller quotes Webster's definition of "humanity" and then says, "Regretfully, it appears some humans have lost sight of these qualities (kindness, benevolence, tenderness and mercy) as they relate to "man's best friends.' " These perilous times we live in make one want to add that we also have lost sight of these qualities in relating human to human!

Thank you for this column, Mr. Keller.
-- Edythe Dodd, Spring Hill

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