Brightline blame; cut Vero Beach roads, jets? DeSantis folly on Iran; Jordan run | Letters

Use some common sense when it comes to Vero Beach Twin Pairs

Columnist Larry Reisman made a simple, sensible suggestion to learn how much traffic congestion will be created by reducing two lanes of traffic on the Twin Pairs.

Putting temporary plastic barrels to cut off two traffic lanes on downtown State Road 60 would do the job.  And do it cheaply.

There'd be no more expensive "studies," just common sense.

But that is the trouble with "common sense." It isn't always "common."

Ruth Sullivan, Vero Beach, is former mayor of Sebastian.   

State Road 60 lane reduction boondoggle in the making

I read Larry Reisman's latest column in regard to closing lanes on State Road 60 within the city limits of Vero Beach. I agree with Larry: I am opposed to reducing SR60 from three lanes down to two.

My biggest concern is SR60 is the county's evacuation route in case there ever was a catastrophic event. I was here when SR60 was only two lanes out to Yeehaw Junction. When I worked at the sheriff’s office (I'm retired), I responded to auto accidents during the expansion of SR60.

My second question is, who is funding this closure of the lanes? Are the taxpayers who live (approximately 17,000 residents) within the city limits paying for this debacle or is the city council trying to get the county commissioners to contribute toward this project?As has been written previously in this and other local publications about this project, all previous city council members have looked into this matter and they all came to the same conclusion not to close a lane on SR60. Here is a suggestion: Due to the 19th Hole restaurant closing, how about the city of Vero Beach buy the old Patio Restaurant and make it available parking for downtown?My family owns a house in the city of Vero Beach, so I can say I have interest in this topic because our property taxes fund the city.Scott Carmine, Sebastian

Twin Pairs such a vital issue or I would have remained silent

I don't often state an opinion, but the issue of the Twin Pairs is so vital I need to say something.

I am strongly opposed to making a change. Traffic works well now. Why mess with it, especially since in a few weeks we will be seeing the influx of snowbirds?

The problem with downtown is many of the stores don’t have much appeal. And the buildings are not kept very well.

As to parking, there is a lot of parking behind the buildings. I see that when the pizza place opened, they had many customers.

I am also wondering why we would spend so much of taxpayer dollars on something that is not needed. Think of all the people who could be fed with the money. Everyone I know thinks it's a bad idea.

Thank you for addressing this issue.

Emily Jostrand, Vero Beach

Hold Florida politicians liable for Brightline deaths

The Brightline fiasco within our community has garnered front-page status in the Sunday edition of this newspaper. Why? The increase in rail deaths that has occurred on the east coast of Florida since its inception here.

Whether these many deaths are a result of "trespassing" (Brightline's rude and uncaring explanation of the deaths), accidents, inattention or suicide, the fact remains that Brightline is responsible for these deaths.

We, the concerned public who fought the presence of this high-speed rail line, will probably be made aware of the fact that dollars were exchanged for the permission granted by the "powers that be" here in corrupt Florida, albeit at a much later date, and only if a massive investigation is surmounted by honest legislators.

There seems to be little to no regard for our fellow humans in this daunting situation, especially concerning the number of suicides involved in the total numbers. If we, as a community, cannot support those who are in need of food, medical care or mere compassion, then we will continue to face the reality that some folks feel such despair from rough living in this uncaring state that they reach the deathly decision that Brightline's presence here has made extremely possible.

This is just another lurid example of "money talks and common sense walks." Let's include those corrupt politicians, who gave permission for this monstrous entity in exchange for filthy lucre, as responsible.

Sharon E. Garland, Hobe Sound

Should government prepare to bail out Brightline?

Brightline started as All Aboard Florida by Florida East Coast Industries, a real estate development company owned by Fortress Investment Group, former BlackRock partners.

Brightline’s parent company also owns and is developing real estate near the new stations. Real estate development was part of the original concept to sell the rail idea to investors. However, it has since been spun off into another company.

The company also secured a deal with Richard Branson’s Virgin Enterprises to use the name for marketing, making the bond prospectus more attractive to investors. Once the funding was complete, Brightline reneged on the deal with Virgin, stating the brand didn’t have the influence it once had. Brightline got what it needed from Virgin and no longer felt it necessary to compensate the company for the deal.

This is why attorneys and prostitutes get their money up front. Virgin then sued Brightline for $250 million. The court awarded Virgin $115 million, with an additional amount to be settled later.

When serving as the Senate Commerce Committee chairman, Sen. Fritz Hollings said: “No passenger rail operation in the world operates at a profit.” If passenger trains are never profitable, what is the reason for Brightline’s existence?

It makes you wonder what the end game is for a company spending billions, including public funds, knowing it will likely not produce a return. Why did our government allow the company to switch the financing from government-subsidized loans to tax-free public bonds? And why did government officials give the company tax assistance after Brightline promised not to ask for it?

Nobody is asking the critical question: What happens when the company defaults on the bonds?

Last year, Brightline lost $260 million and is on track for a more significant loss this year. Are we on course for another high-speed corporate bailout?

Nick Gulotta, Stuart

Railroad danger amplified by overgrown brush

You do so much good for our communities, maybe you know how to get something done concerning this problem:

People say when approaching railroad crossings to look both ways. However, too many views are blocked by overgrown bushes.

I especially notice this while using the crossing at U.S. 1 and 53rd Street north of Vero Beach daily, but other crossings share this problem. Hopefully you can light a fire under whoever is responsible in this area to actually get it done before we keep adding to the number of deaths in Florida.

Gail WIlliams, Vero Beach

Some change OK, but whatever happened to old Vero Beach?

Do you know when we moved here in 1990, Vero Beach was a wonderful place to be, even though the teenagers did not think so.

I felt the same way when I got out of high school. I said I would never come back to Vero. But here I am after being away for quite a few years.

I understand we must have progress, but I’m not sure all of it is good. I live about 10 blocks south of the airport. Piper planes never bothered me, as they are kind of comforting to know the pilots were learning how to fly. They fly in the mornings, usually after 8 o’clock or nine. They fly at night, maybe until about 10 o’clock. But they don’t bother most of us.

Now at 7 a.m., the jets are warming up and it almost shakes the house. And they come and go even past midnight.

Then you have this wonderful train that goes 110 mph 32 times a day; whistles blowing and people getting killed regularly.

What happened to dear Ole Vero?

Pat Stewart, Vero Beach

Tired of summer sweats? Here's how to make Treasure Coast cooler

These last few cooler days have been an amazing experience after an agonizing summer heat. I don’t know about you, but I feel more productive, energetic and happier when it’s in the 60s.

And while we can’t control the weather (besides doing our part and living sustainably), it should remind us of what we can control.

The Treasure Coast is beautiful, with its charming towns, peaceful oceans and wondrous preserves. The more walkable we can make it, the more enjoyable it is for all of us.

Our cities can swap out non-native palm trees for better trees that offer shade. Additionally, we can add more benches, public spaces and paths for alternative transportation (e-bikes, bicycles and golf carts).

If it’s cooler year-round with more shade and walkable spaces, we can live healthier lives, alleviate traffic and improve quality of life. As we continue development throughout the coast, let’s prioritize shade.

John Paul Hernandez, Port St. Lucie

Posey should step down following Jordan votes

Looks like our now not-very-honorable U.S. Rep. Bill Posey voted three times for the very tarnished and dishonorable Jim Jordan to be speaker for the House.

If a representative voted for Jordan three times, to me it means he or she is part of the Trump Party, not the real Republican Party.

Time to step down, Rep. Posey. You are known by the company you keep.

Anne Brakman, Vero Beach

Teaching Spanish OK? Or is it too sexy?

Why haven't any leaders of the Book Removal Committee suggested to have Spanish taught in the lower grades so when these students get out of school and are all grown up, they will be able to talk to the majority of the population in 20 years?

They'll come out knowing a second language that will be needed for a job anywhere in Vero Beach and Sebastian.

I am too old to see it, but I will lay odds on it.

But maybe the committee of the Negative Moms might object because a word or two of Spanish may sound sexy or suggestive as Spanish is one of the romantic languages.

Joe Liguori, Indian River Shores

DeSantis to get tough with Iran? How about insurers?

Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special legislative session to enact sanctions against Iran. 

The corollary: President Joe Biden will call a special session of Congress to solve Florida’s insurance crisis?

I jest. Of course DeSantis and his Legislature ― and it is his ― could sanction the insurance industry, but won’t and haven’t.

With a little thought, it’s easy to see how wrong this special session is. There is no clear evidence Iran is involved in Hamas attacking Israel recently; nor is Iran launching attacks within Gaza. The State Department is trying to negotiate a cease fire and temporary peace in the Middle East. Can getting word that a state in the United States issuing sanctions against Iran suggest the United States is not bargaining in good faith?

Certainly, the Muslim in the street in the Middle East could think so, not understanding how the U.S. government functions with laws split between our central government and those deferred to our states. In fact, a lot of Americans don’t correctly understand that.

This is a cheap shot by DeSantis using Florida taxpayers’ hard-earned money. A special legislative session costs millions and should be called only for dire needs. We have lots of dire needs and affordable insurance stands out along with water quality, sea-level rise, Medicaid expansion and others.

Richard Silvestri, Fort Pierce

Economy humming despite economic statistics like these?

So the Social Security cost of living allowance for 2024 will be 3.2%.

The projected rate of inflation falls between 2.4% up to 3%.

Medicare premiums and deductibles are projected to be up 3.13% each.

Interest rates for loans and mortgages are up.

Rents are up, as are utilities.

Gas and grocery prices are up.

Grocery prices are up

And I'm expected to believe this economy is doing better?

As the old saying goes: "If you believe that, I've got some waterfront land I want to sell you!"

Jan Belwood, Palm City

Jordan candidacy leads to interesting question

I liked Jim Jordan for the speaker's position in the U.S. House, but didn't he realize he was asking the Democratic Party to vote for the man who is trying mightily to send the president and his son to jail for all kinds of misdeeds while in office?

Just a thought.

Jim Grant, Jensen Beach

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Brightline deaths; Vero traffic; Posey wrong on Jordan | Letters