Florida may become as extreme as Alabama
Proper way to honor lynching victims
I attended the celebration/installation of the historical marker that honored the six men and others who were unjustly killed in Sarasota-Manatee County by mobs.
The event was covered in the Herald-Tribune on Feb. 25 (“Lynching marker honors 6 victims who were killed in Sarasota-Manatee County by mobs”).
This letter is to express my thanks and appreciation to Debbie Trice, Sarasota city commissioner atlarge, for her eloquent participation in the event, and to the city of Sarasota for its meaningful and appropriate Feb. 24 declaration.
The city of Sarasota was the only governmental body to make a declaration and participate in this local historic occasion!
Lawry Reid, Sarasota
Overdevelopment could ‘kill the goose’
It’s the time of year when friends from up north visit and we take them around town to see the sights. I am constantly saying “… and over here there used to be …” and “… this all is being torn down for …”
Those who haven’t visited recently are appalled by the changes: the concrete canyon of buildings on 41, the west Main Street development and the proposed condo on Palm for a select few that will forever throw shade over downtown.
Living in Sarasota eight years (in the “development business” and supporting growth), I, too, have been appalled and saddened by the thoughtless destruction of historic properties and by the rapid unraveling of this city’s architectural and environmental fabric.
While affordable housing is needed for workers who keep this city running and shops and restaurants need year-round residents to survive, it is only through “big-picture” planning that we can shape Sarasota’s future as a place of light and air, accessible beaches and parks and a walkable, vibrant downtown.
Without thoughtful planning − and if those in power continue to allow development in conflict with Sarasota’s character − we risk “killing the goose that laid the golden egg,” destroying the very things we love about Sarasota.
Andrew Blanda, Sarasota
Florida could be in line to follow Alabama’s lead. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that an embryo in an IVF center is a child.
Our state House and Senate are currently steamrolling a bill, cosponsored by state Rep. Will Robinson of Bradenton, to declare an embryo in the womb a person. Some say Florida would never go as far as Alabama.
Well, consider that two years ago our legislators passed a 15-week abortion ban, which is in effect. Then last year, they passed a six-week ban, which will go into effect if the state Supreme Court upholds the 15-week ban.
Each year the extremists in Tallahassee come up with a new attack on reproductive rights. They won’t stop unless the voters stand up and forcefully speak out.
Nancy Hughes, Lakewood Ranch
Any GOP nominee better than Biden
I’ll vote for anyone on the Republican ticket, and it’s because the current administration has ignored:
Our Judeo-Christian heritage.
The open border crisis.
Our national economy and the ominous debt we have incurred.
The need to utilize our natural resources.
“Woke” ideology.
Respect for our laws and law enforcement.
Male inclusion in women’s sports.
The current president’s cognitive decline.
Federal overreach in health, education and welfare.
Our Constitution and the warnings of men who were wiser than anyone in politics today.
Gloria Baker, Sarasota
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR