Costco great; Brightline issues; Vero Beach Twin Pairs; GOP confusion | Letters Feb. 2

Costco would be benefit to Martin County

I've been a Martin County homeowner for 20 years. I'm writing to express my support for the Costco project.

Costco is a great company to work for, and it will provide many jobs for our community. The company also offers excellent prices for our residents on everything it offers, including food, household items and clothing.

I'm also in support of the new apartments, because we need housing. Too many homes in Martin County have become Airbnbs, limiting the options for locals to rent or buy. I do hope that these apartments will be affordable and not outrageously priced.

I am in favor of relocating as much wildlife as possible during this development.

Kimberly Wedgwood, Palm City

Would U.S. 1 overpass near airport solve Twin Pairs issue?

There has been a proposal to build an overpass across the railroad tracks in Vero Beach at Aviation Boulevard and extend it to the hospital so people won't die waiting for trains.

It may be feasible to extend it all the way to Indian River Boulevard to divert traffic away from the Twin Pairs. I would guess that the downtown area is not the destination for a large percentage of vehicles on the Twin Pairs.

If that traffic is re-routed, much of the problem would be solved. Much of that traffic is coming from Interstate 95 and headed for U.S. 1 or the beach, and those drivers would be glad to avoid the trip through the center of town.

Joan Clark, Vero Beach

Railroad missed opportunity, so more overpasses needed

Years ago, the powers that be should have located the north-south railroad line to the central part of the state.

The crossings should have been with overpasses. The costs of the taking of land would have been relatively low. They then could have sold the existing land on the east at relatively big dollars, offsetting costs. Everyone would have benefited.

As it is now, for fire department emergencies, there should be a vehicle bridge over the tracks at least every 10 miles, and if you are going to do that, you might also have it available for regular traffic.

Land taking does not have to be large. The up and down ramps can lie alongside the rails and then cross over at the top.

David Valdina, Barefoot Bay

Everyone agree with this DeSantis logic?

Let me get this straight.

It is fine to teach AP European History, but AP African American Studies is “contrary to Florida law” and “lacks educational value.”

And this guy wants to be our president?

Hugh Aaron, Vero Beach

Encourage youths to attend church on Sundays

I was on my way to church last Sunday morning on the Crosstown Parkway and was surprised to see organized soccer games being played next to St. Lucie West K-8 school in Port St. Lucie.  I am a fiercely independent person who strongly believes government regulations should be limited.

But please consider this: We should be encouraging spiritual participation among our young people. As a middle school teacher, I read many studies concerning adolescent development, including suicide prevention.  The common denominator among many teens in trouble is a lack of hope, including spiritual awareness.

Also, by scheduling Sunday morning games, many families are not able to have their children participate in these leagues due to the scheduling conflicts because of their commitment to church attendance.

I would hope our civic leaders would reconsider permitting Sunday morning organized sports. You may be thinking that government has no place in advocating such reform, and that my position is not reasonable. But when was the last time you saw our public schools open on Sunday — not to mention City Hall?

Joseph Florio, Port St. Lucie

Did McCarthy, DeSantis toss Trump's final State of the Union speech?

I certainly hope Patricia A. Perrone is right, that the GOP cares about this country.

I read President Donald Trump’s last State of the Union speech online, and was glad that he “made an ironclad pledge to American families: We will always protect patients with pre-existing conditions. And we will always protect your Medicare and we will always protect your Social Security. Always.”

I certainly hope Nancy Pelosi was wrong to think President Trump was not telling the truth. But since Republicans are now the ones in power, it is more important what they think about President Trump’s speech.

He also said: ”Protecting Americans’ health also means fighting infectious diseases. We are coordinating with the Chinese government and working closely together on the coronavirus outbreak in China. My administration will take all necessary steps to safeguard our citizens from this threat.”

Did Gov. Ron DeSantis tear up President Trump’s State of the Union speech? What about Kevin McCarthy, and all the other current Republican leaders who are now leading the country?

Helen Frigo, Jensen Beach

Biden document security: What could go wrong?

I have a couple of questions on the Joe  Biden fiasco.

What provoked his lawyers to decide to search the office he had at Penn Biden Center?

Were his lawyers just sitting around a desk and shooting the breeze, someone, off the top, said: "Hey. Let's go and look for classified documents in Joe's old office."

They did. And documents were found. Wow. What a guess!

Has anyone checked the glove compartment for more classified documents in Joe's prized and secured 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray? Secured under lock and key, in his garage? Secured, because that's where he keeps his car, under lock and key? What could go wrong?

Jim Grant, Jensen Beach

COVID threw wrench into Vero Beach Theatre Guild finances

All lovers of live community theater should know the Vero Beach Theatre Guild is the oldest community theater on the Treasure Coast.

Since 1957, the guild has been a part of Vero Beach history, providing quality entertainment for the community, and opportunities for local residents to use their many talents.  Now more than ever, we need your support to keep the dream of community theater alive in Vero Beach.

We need your support to overcome the COVID pandemic result of reduced ticket sales; unexpected expenses, such as installing a roof and air conditioning systems; and restructuring the interior of the theater to conform with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements in a more COVID-safe environment.

We need financial support beyond ticket sales. We need immediate support to meet our campaign goal of $250,000. Our 65^th season was filled with great shows: "Footloose," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Pippin"and "Murder on the Nile." We have an exciting 66^th season planned for all to enjoy, including special events.

Community support allows the guild to remain committed to quality, affordability and an entertaining community theater. People who support the guild enhance the lives of people through the power of theater.

If anyone would like to help, please contact us through our website: verobeachtheatreguild.com.

Jerry Reichert is secretary of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild's board of directors.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Costco fine; Brightline woes; Vero Beach roads; GOP issues | Letters