Friday's letters: Art exhibit casualty of culture war, East Manatee growing too quickly

SCF proud of participation in exhibit

I was saddened to read the article in the Feb. 16 issue regarding the withdrawal of Embracing Our Differences from the State College campus.

I retired from State College nine years ago after 16 years as executive director of human resources. I was proud of our efforts to create a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce.

More:State College refuses to display 'diversity' artwork

More: How to send a letter to the editor

Many years ago, after viewing the Embracing our Differences display on the Sarasota Bayfront, I was so impressed that I asked our employment manager to look into SCF becoming involved. I’m proud that SCF and many of our Collegiate School and college students, as well as students in other schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties, began to participate.

State College became a sponsor and one of the advisers. The combination of art and statements from all over the world is impressive. We bring guests to see it whenever they are visiting us.

Diversity had not been a “political issue” until Gov. Ron DeSantis made it one.

It is too bad that because of our governor’s prejudice, State College students, faculty and others will miss out on a very creative and educational program.

Margaret Beck, Sarasota

Residents will pay for East Manatee growth

People think electing new Manatee County commissioners will change the course of development, which is impacting this area immensely, from traffic to our environment, to waiting and appointment times for doctors.

Has anyone visited the hospital lately? Nurses and doctors are getting burned out. 

Well, after the hearing Feb. 16 regarding Carlos Beruff and his plan to build thousands of homes in a development known as East River Ranch, I am thankful I live west of Interstate 75.

Story:Vote paves way for massive East Manatee County development

The greatest challenge will be maintaining and keeping the higher standards for the quality of water, controlling flooding – especially after hurricanes – and preventing sewage spills into Sarasota Bay.

As more people move into the area, more and more problems will evolve. I hope the commissioners are prepared, along with law enforcement, to deal with them.

The voters who vote for change, well, that change has cost the taxpayers billions!

Elizabeth Martin-Sullivan, Braden River

Fairgrounds, Robarts Arena in bad shape

For many years we attended Thunder by the Bay and always enjoyed the event, showcasing so many beautiful custom motorcycles that are works of art in the venue of our beautiful downtown.

This was the first year we attended at the Sarasota Fairgrounds and Robarts Arena. OMG! What a disappointment. The venue was ill-kept and quite depressing.

The condition of the arena and fairgrounds is more than concerning. The city of Sarasota should take a long, hard look at the facilities. Both need a facelift at the very least.

It's so sad that such a longstanding charity event for children has been reduced to this.

Ron Mastroianni and Maria Marshall, Sarasota

Haley not going for senior vote

Each day I look at the Herald-Tribune comics to start my day off with a laugh. But Feb. 17, I found my chuckle while reading Rex Huppke’s column about Nikki Haley (“Haley’s presidential campaign kicks off with a bit of ageism”).

Huppke quoted Haley as saying she wanted a “mandatory mental competency test for politicians over 75 years old." In my mind, this was directed toward President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

I would imagine both men could pass a mental competency test, but how about giving Trump a psychiatric test?

Joan Haring, Sarasota

Stunning column by gun lobbyist

Since my wife and I moved here several years ago, we have subscribed to your newspaper, and I have often praised your editorial page, thoughtful letters and often thoughtful editorials.

But what could you have been thinking turning over the editorial spot to a column by a gun lobbyist (“Lawmakers must pass open carry bill,” Feb. 21)?

I was stunned as Luis Valdes pushed for open carry for all. Despite the wealth and power of the gun lobby, a majority of Americans are appalled at the very thought.

As one who spent his career in the news business, I will always believe that the editorial spot is the province of the editorial board. This column was a shameful mistake by you.

Michael Collins, Sarasota

Sensible gun laws, not open carry

Regarding the Feb. 21 column “Lawmakers must pass open carry bill": What a bunch of BS!

I have never lived in an open carry state, and I don’t want to start now.

How many more children have to die before the bloodlust of gun lovers is satisfied? I can’t think of a time where I have felt so threatened that I thought having a gun would solve anything. Anyone who does is most likely delusional at best.

I also have rights as a human being to not be threatened by these maniacs.

Sane Floridians do not want open carry. They want sensible gun laws!Fredrick Randall, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: State College students, faculty proud of participation in art exhibibt