Letters to the Editors

Bird sanctuary not a good idea

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 18, 2000

Re: Sanctuary considered for tiny birds, July 14
-- Editor: "If the state park service has to close some areas to beachgoers or boaters, so be it," said Perry Smith, manager of Honeymoon Island Park, which incorporates Anclote Key and Three Rooker bar.
This had been deemed necessary by the federal government to protect the piping plover, a bird that winters in Florida. I and many humans winter and summer in Florida and would like to relax and enjoy our recreation areas. One of the most popular sites for boaters now is a tiny spit of land north of Anclote Key which is not state-controlled yet.
Visit this area on a weekend and one will witness the true meaning of huddled masses. The south end of Anclote Key is being turned into a swamp because of the visitors' dock being erected there. The rest of Anclote is now restricted against pets, barbecues, alcoholic beverages, camping etc. This applies to Three Rooker bar also.
Please reconsider, Mr. Smith, and let us have some fun at the expense of the bird .
If beach access is to be closed to boaters, the demolition of the visitors' dock on Anclote Key would be a good start.
David Kapaun, New Port Richey

Raise impact fees, not property taxes

Editor: While our lawns are filled with brown spots and we may water them only once a week and while our ponds are dry and our lakes are way below normal the powers that be turn their heads the other way. They turn them to the wealthy contractors and builders to the wonderment of conscionable people.

It is understandable that more people bring more business and even more subscribers to the newspapers. What is not understandable is why there has not been a moratorium on building until normalcy is restored to the area and our roads are maintained properly and our water problems dealt with fairly. Growth in Paso County may be inevitable but it should not be rushed to satisfy the greed of those who will financially benefit to the detriment of residents.Bernice Bucher,Hudson
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