LETTERS: On city codes, on aging, on red light cameras

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

City codes should protect the animals better

Dear Editor:
Recently some of my neighbors and I reported to the city what we all feel is a case of animal neglect. Two beautiful, large, long-haired dogs are being enclosed in a pen each morning at around 6 a.m. and often left there for 12 hours or more.

According to chapter 8 of the city’s code, "it is prohibited and unlawful for any person to keep any animal in an enclosure without the animal being provided wholesome exercise, change of air and protection from any adverse weather conditions.”

Obviously, this definition is open to interpretation, because I have been told by Animal Control that they have looked into this matter and these people are in compliance with the law. But, with a heat index often in the triple digits and pop-up storms a daily threat in Florida, these animals definitely do not have protection from adverse weather conditions, not to mention the total lack of exercise, stimulation and human contact.

I realize that this is probably merely one of many similar situations, but it is very personal as I have to witness this neglect every time that I look out my window. If we do not speak up on behalf of these animals, who will?

Mary Walker
Palm Coast

Editor’s Note: According to Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman, on June 5 Animal Control received a complaint of two dogs being left outside all day and night. The officer observed two dogs in the rear of the property in a very large kennel.

A blue tarp gave them shelter, food and water was in the kennel, and the dogs looked in very good shape. A wellness check revealed the animals are up to date with shots. The next day, in inclement weather, an inspection revealed the animals were inside the house.

Code Enforcement continues to monitor the situation.

And now it’s winter …

Dear Editor:

Time has moved too quickly and caught me unaware of the years passed. It seems like only yesterday that I was young, newly married and embarking on a new life. I recall how it was — my hopes and dreams.

Now, in the winter of my life I wonder, Where did the years and my youth go? I recall seeing older people and thinking they were years older than me and that my winter was further away than I could fathom. And now it’s here. My friends are gray and most move more slowly. The rest are gone.

I gaze into the mirror, and an old person stares back. We are all now the older folks we used to see but never thought we’d be. Although I have regrets for things I wish I had or hadn’t done, there are indeed many things I’m happy for.

So, if your winter has not yet arrived, be reminded that it will be here more quickly than you think. Construct your plan and begin to implement it without delay. Remember, none of us is assured just when our winter will arrive. There are no guarantees anyone will see all the seasons of their life.

So, live for today and tell those you love what you want them to remember. Never forget that today is as young as we will ever be.

Jerry Tanenbaum
Palm Coast

Complainers prove red light cameras are necessary

Dear Editor:

OK, what's with these folks who do nothing but complain? After reading the June 19 letters to the editor, I'm even more convinced we should keep the red light cameras. The only people who will make a stink about the cameras are those who are getting caught not coming to a full stop or even ignoring the red light completely. And judging by the number of people who complain, I think we need to have the cameras there as a deterrent.

For one, I'm sick of having to sit at a green light while waiting for a driver to complete a turn, passing in front of me after their light had already turned red. That's just plain inconsiderate.

Also, included in one of the complaint letters in the same edition, I noticed there was a comment about the books in our library. The writer used some name-calling and between the red light complaining and his reference to "wacko, paranoid, survivalist themes," I'm beginning to see a pattern here.

People, we need to take it down a notch. I don't know if it's global anger, but we are becoming a nasty bunch of individuals. Our behavior toward each other is starting to resemble nothing more than that of a cave man. We seem to be going backward on the evolutionary scale, not forward.

Luca Rezia
Palm Coast