- April 28, 2024
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Why so fast to act on Internet cafes?
Dear Editor:
Recently there was a shut down of all Internet cafes across Florida. While there appears to be some justification on shutting down some of them that were fronts for gambling and which falsely claimed to give money to charity, and while I wholeheartedly agree that everyone (and that means, everyone!) involved should face severe penalties of the law, there appear to be some exceptions.
Lucky Day Internet Cafe on State Road 100 is one of those exceptions. I have been there on several occasions, where the atmosphere is peaceful and amiable. I never spent more than $20, and I usually came home with more money than I brought to play with. I never saws any seniors attacking each other, nor out robbing banks to feed this “addiction.”
Lucky Day was willing to jump whatever hoops were necessary to fulfill their obligations to be registered as an Internet cafe. However, when all was said and done, the speed and ferocity of the closing down of all of the cafes across Florida leaves the thinking person befuddled. Why? Truly, one must ask why? And who is this force behind such a sudden movement in our state's government? Honestly, people, have you ever seen this state move so fast on anything before?
While it is possible that Gov. Rick Scott is trying to hurriedly push to eradicate the embarrassment that one particular kind of Internet cafe caused to him and his staff — but still.
Why is it not possible to see such seriousness of purpose on things that truly do matter, such as texting while driving? Why has that taken so long to pass, when people die in this state and across our country, from this very thing, every single day? Yet, we see this wave of righteousness sweep our state government like the parting of the Red Sea.
Let's look at this thing as adults, shall we? Why not insist that every Internet cafe meet strict standards and regulations and licensing, and follow that up with a tax instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water?
Did you know that thousands of jobs were lost across the state when these places were all shut down? Gov. Scott did.
Looking for a little common sense here.
Aynne McAvoy
Palm Coast
City employees showed great courtesy
Dear Editor:
This past week I had an opportunity to observe and interact with employees of the Public Works Department. They were repairing swales in my neighborhood. Their professionalism and caring for the homeowners properties was outstanding. The attitude exhibited by these city employees were that of neighbors.
Their supervisor, Kevin, was very approachable, answering questions and concerns in a kind and informative manner. Gary Lalima, who is a swale specialist with the department, was in the area to inspect the work, addressed my questions and concerns with informed answers. Additionally, I spoke via telephone with Richard Adams, the director. He took my call and exhibited a high level of professionalism, responding in a respectful manner.
Within 24 hours of speaking with Mr. Adams, an inspector named Robert was at my property to examine the work that had been done. To say that I was satisfied would be an understatement.
Bob Alex
Palm Coast
