- April 25, 2024
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+ Manatee zones reasonable; opponent has ax to grind
Dear Editor:
Manatees were not “plowed by special interests.” PBS aired the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting that took place in St. Augustine. It was abundantly clear that there was not enough data and too much emotion. The FWC sent the action back to staff to continue acquiring the data needed to make an educated decision. Bravo.
To Mr. Woosley: Is the concern that a political figure, well armed with local knowledge of how the Intracoastal Waterway is used, took a solid position? Or that manatees, on occasion, get injured or killed?
The headline would suggest the latter, but the content would suggest an ax to grind. Mr. Woosley had a great opportunity to share the current state of the issue and failed. Too bad, as I have relied on the Palm Coast Observer to keep me up to date on the issue.
I very much like the 3-mile stretch suggested in the workshops. To be clear, I love manatees and have had many pleasant encounters off my dock and on the Intracoastal. I have also been on a boat that hit and injured a great-sized mammal. Heart breaking. I consider myself a self-trained observer — that is, knowledgeable on the signs of a manatee being in the area. It didn’t help that morning. Many people assume speed is at issue, but any speed would have been a problem that day.
John Kerr
Palm Coast
+ Palm Coast is proud to be a ‘tree city’
Dear Editor:
I attended the Palm Coast City Council meeting June 21. During the period allotted for public participation, a man presented a three-part commentary. One of the items he suggested was that all empty lots within the city be stripped of vegetation. He did not present specifics as to how this would be accomplished but wanted all lots devoid of any plant materials.
In his dissertation, he referred to those who enjoy flora and fauna as “tree huggers.”
In response, I spoke of the benefits of a tree canopy (lowering the ambient temperature around our homes), transpiration (the production of oxygen by plants), habitat for birds and mammals, the aesthetic beauty of the natural landscape and the potential of excessive dust and muck being created by his method of destruction of the ecology.
Palm Coast is designated as a “tree city.” Can you imagine people who love shaded trails driving through neighborhoods dotted with stripped sand lots?
The proposal that this man would put in place would not only jeopardize the integrity of existing properties in the city but could eventually affect the tourist dollars brought to the area by eco-friendly visitors.
I sincerely hope commitments to a healthy and “green” ecology will continue to be standard operating procedure for the citizens and visitors of the beautiful city of Palm Coast.
Lois DeCosta
Palm Coast
+ Tea Party acting selfishly in millage rate demands
Dear Editor:
I was appalled at the selfishness of the comments by the Flagler County Tea Party members at the June 27 budget workshop, as reported by the Palm Coast Observer.
Their main concerns are their investments and lifestyle. Increased taxes might mean a little less fun for them.
Meanwhile, the members support the 3% contribution all public employees are required to make to their pensions. Do they not realize that public employees accept far lower salaries than private sector employees in exchange for this pension? And that this 3% affects the roofs over their heads and the food on their tables?
I am sorry, but I have little sympathy for the Tea Party members’ lost investments and potential lifestyle modifications. While they might not vote for any commissioner who votes for increased millage, I will. And I am also the public.
Nicole Stasky
Palm Coast
