Letters and feedback: Feb. 27, 2020

'We need speed control' 

Speed humps are needed on South Tropical Trail. This narrow, winding, scenic trail through a residential neighborhood should be driven slowly, enjoying the view. Anyone in a hurry should not use this road. It is literally in our front yards. It is where we walk our dogs, ride bicycles, jog. We need speed control.

When removal of speed humps is being considered, county policy requires a survey for a request. There was no such request. When the road was being repaved, humps were simply removed; replacement was already in the budget, so they should have been put back as soon as possible.

The county has no policy stating a survey is necessary for replacement. Commissioner Curt Smith made a survey anyway, and it was a complete farce. No real attempt was made to reach 100 percent of property owners affected. Even so, 34 percent said yes, and 17 percent said no. He claims those numbers don't show enough support.

We now have an intelligent survey covering all affected property owners which reveals 91 percent favoring humps. Although the percent is high, Commissioner Smith says he is "commissioner for all of the residents not just the ones that make the most noise." So when 91 percent of a small group calls for help (makes the most noise), would he be failing all the others by giving us back what was taken from us?

Our commissioner claims he has "bent over backwards to help" us. I would like to know how exactly he has done that.

Margaret Ball, South Merritt Island

Say no to advertising with tax dollars

A recent letter writer joined the gaggle of entrepreneurs decrying any attempt by the Legislature to eliminate or defund VISIT FLORIDA (VF). Once again, the businessperson drags out the loss of about 1.5 million jobs if the state is not hyped with use of tax dollars.

Ever notice that not once does a businessperson admit that advertising with tax dollars benefits primarily the businesses? Perhaps a bit disingenuous? After all, while recognizing that the associated jobs provide some income to workers — certainly a good thing — those jobs are traditionally the lowest paid in our economic system — chiefly the food, lodging, and retail industries. But the bulk of tourist dollars goes into the businesses’ accounts.

VF reports that last year, every dollar spent on hyping the state returned two dollars in tourist revenue. But that’s not proof of anything unless and until a year or two are allowed to pass without spending a dime on advertising, then comparing the results.

Citing tourist losses when funding was eliminated in Colorado, Texas, and Pennsylvania, the entrepreneur concludes that the same result will obtain in Florida. However, none of those states can hold a candle to Florida attractions, starting with approximately 1,350 miles of coastline, that doesn’t include barrier islands. It has often been said by state natives or near-natives that the primary attraction of Florida lies within a 15-mile-wide border along the entire state.

Residents of the other 49 states and those in other countries already know where Florida is located. 

Francis J. Clifford, Suntree

Understanding guardianship is critical

One day you or someone you love could need the services of a guardian. That is someone who manages the affairs of a person (the ward) deemed by a judge to lack the capacity to handle those affairs themselves. Removing someone's rights is very serious and something that the courts don't take lightly. In the event that a professional guardian is appointed to assume those responsibilities, we believe that guardians should be held to the highest standards possible.

As president of the Florida State Guardianship Association and a professional guardian myself, I see that the system works well but isn't always perfect. That is why we support the legislative changes that our state lawmakers are considering that will raise our standards even higher than they already are. For example, every two years a professional guardian must earn 16 hours of continuing education credits to keep up with the latest and best ways to assist people. One proposed bill wants to raise that number to 20. Our organization supports that and has even suggested that the number of required hours be increased to 30.

We want our community to have a better understanding of guardianship and more confidence in our profession and the system that governs it, just in case that day comes when you  need us.

Robin Phemister, West Melbourne

Florida must enforce E-Verify 

Please keep Florida free from illegal workers in our state. We must pass E-Verify and all employers must enforce it, as it is not a lot of work for them —it is already listed on the I-9 federal form. We do not want to end up like California or worse.

And another point: If jobs are not easy to get, the problem of illegals will dwindle.

Bill Sandelin, Vero Beach