- April 24, 2024
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Dear Editor:
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly appears to have played a big role in quashing a mask-wearing mandate or ordinance in the county by proclaiming that he didn’t want to be the “mask police.” Staly seemed to view that policing role of enforcing a mask-wearing ordinance as either too burdensome or too menial or both.
And, although it was already the mindset of the Board of County Commissioners to outright ignore our Health Department’s expert advice, they bought into Staly’s comment and used it in part to refuse to go the mandated route.
However, in light of this pandemic, which by far is the biggest public safety threat this county has ever faced, I can’t think of a more important role our law enforcement officials could play to help ensure our safety and to live up to their motto to “serve and protect.”
Rob Gordon
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
The media is all too eager to daily report these grim COVID-19 numbers, stoking fear with incendiary words like "surging," "skyrocketing," and to use our very own Observer's word, "clobbered." Give me a break, Observer! Three new deaths does not constitute a "clobbering."
Enough of the sensationalism. I'm fed up; we are being fleeced and lied to. This pandemic is being used as a political vehicle for the liberal Democratic-Socialists to grasp the power in this nation. I demand an investigation to uncover the true numbers in Florida be launched immediately.
It's time the truth comes out, and I intend to vote against our "Nanny in Chief" and ethics-challenged Mayor Milissa Holland in this election. Say no to the lies and sensationalism, Palm Coast!
William H. Powell
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
Candidate for mayor John Brady tried to make a case to force all members of the public in Flagler County to wear masks because of his “right to life.” It doesn’t seem to make any difference to him that CDC guidelines allow social distancing instead of masks. Note that these are guidelines, not laws.
It doesn’t seem to matter that the so-called masks range from the very effective (but restricted use) N95 to a bandana that has been sitting in a drawer for years. It doesn’t matter that he wants everyone to have to breathe in less than fresh air nor are they often unable to speak clearly and effectively through a mask. Nor does it matter that the masks in this humid area cause glasses to fog up. Nor does it make any difference that the CDC says that masks MAY hamper the spread of the disease. Of course the term MAY means it MAY NOT as well.
No, none of this apparently makes any difference to Mr. Brady. You see, it’s all about him, not others.
For him and his ilk, it's just another opportunity for government to tell you what to do.
If Mr. Brady is so worried about COVID-19, he has the option to stay home and away from people instead of trying to force others to bow to whatever he wants to make himself to feel safe.
Mike McGuire
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
Why would you let Netts back on the City Council? I thought after being beaten in his last run for council, we thought we were rid of him.
How many times do the people of Palm Coast, have to tell you to retire from politics? He should not be considered, period!
I know the mayor wants him here to help her with the mess she created.
We need to clean house in Palm Coast. We need honest people in City Hall, folks who care about our community. Palm Coast is going in the wrong direction. We need to right this ship, before it sinks into total chaos!
Dennis C. Rathsam
Palm Coast
Dear Editor:
After reading your recent article that included the recommendation of School Board member Colleen Conklin that we limit the number of children attending in-person schooling to keep our children safe and continue virtual learning when possible, I wanted to share the current struggle that we and many other families in our area are facing.
I am a local nurse in our community and completely agree with Mrs. Conklin’s plea. Our nearby hospitals are filling up with COVID-19 patients so much so that patient overflow plans are not a far stretch.
I am a parent of a sixth grader and a ninth grader and will not put my children at risk while this upward trend continues. Virtual schooling is our choice.
That being said, we are at a disadvantage. We live on County Road 304 in Bunnell, just two miles off U.S. 1 and have zero access to broadband internet.
During crisis learning at the end of last semester, we were offered a wireless router from the county. The service was spotty at best.
The ability to connect to classroom meetings was not always possible, or the connection was unreliable and dropped during classroom meetings. Streaming educational videos was a challenge as well as completing interactive applications. Our children’s education should not have to suffer during this pandemic, and I do not feel we should have to choose quality education over safety.
Katherine Biancaniello
Bunnell
