Friday's letters: Obstacles to rebuild, FEMA 50% rule, no reason to freak out about fest

Rebuilding Florida after storms challenging

Hurricanes Ian and Nicole have wreaked havoc in Florida.

The impacts of these storms will be felt for months, if not years, by residents and businesses. Damage to roads, seawalls, building foundations, homes and infrastructure will require careful planning and experienced labor to repair appropriately.

Currently, preliminary property damage estimates range from $50 billion to as much as $260 billion.

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The storms caused even more problems with materials, as ports and roadways were closed. Rebuilding Florida requires navigating significant obstacles to ensure our beautiful state recovers from these natural disasters.

Many companies will continue to face obstacles: labor shortages, supply challenges and transportation constraints.

For example, labor is a problematic issue. Developing detailed plans and schedules that translate into necessary job security and employee engagement is critical for obtaining and retaining a reliable workforce.

Material selection and sourcing require global insight to conduct comprehensive research and provide options for material selection, including alternatives.

Organizing alternative transportation options to assist in project progression is often complex and unstructured following an emergency. Maintaining logistical cohesion as much as possible is paramount.

Challenges abound, but those with a plan and sound approach will find success in the long term.

Drew Horn, vice president, KMI International, Orlando 

Face climate change by enforcing 50% rule

The “dreaded FEMA 50% rule” was put in place to prevent property owners in risky areas from rebuilding in the same risky way (“FEMA rule could mean many can’t afford to rebuild after Hurricane Ian,” Nov. 22).

If you cannot afford to rebuild 2 feet higher in North Port, for example, you cannot afford to live there.

It is a good rule that protects folks who build in safe areas from paying for those who don’t. The reality of climate change must be faced by those who own property in risky areas.

But wait, in the “free” state of Florida we don’t follow rules – we try to get around them.

And isn’t FEMA socialism anyway? Ha!

Paul Fox, Sarasota

Much ado about nothing at LGBTQ fest

Why are some people freaking out about some embarrassing sex toys that reportedly made an appearance at the Venice Pride Festival?

Do they shoot bullets?

The people trying to freak out parents about “groomers” are political operatives who want to incite division and get votes by targeting vulnerable groups. Parents should stand up to these bullies, not join in with them.

The reality is that LGBTQ youths have a high rate of suicide, and mass shooters often murder LGBTQ people because politicians and political operatives are inciting fear and fanaticism. (Five people died Nov. 19 in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs.)

If you are scared that your kids aren’t safe, get them a COVID shot. Make sure they wear their seat belts and don’t let them have access to guns.

The No. 1 cause of death for American kids is gun violence.

Catherine P. Henry, Englewood

GOP: Don’t hang your hat on Hunter Biden

I saw where the GOP-controlled House is all excited to start investigating Hunter Biden, the president’s son.

Not saying he is above the law; no one is. But if that is what the GOP is going to hang its hat on, we are in for a dismal two years and a blue soaking in 2024.

Because who does such an investigation help? Does it lower food, utility or gas prices? Does it create more jobs? Lower taxes? Fix the environment? Improve our infrastructure?

Hunter Biden is a politician’s son, not holding a position in power right now, and as far as the average American is concerned, he is doing nothing that changes life in this country.

His taxes and gun purchases are already under investigation – that should be done – but no matter the results it won’t inspire a change at the polls.

Don’t Republicans remember Roger Clinton, Bill Clinton’s half-brother? There was plenty of dirt to dig up about him, but it had little or no impact on the president’s popularity.

Making Hunter Biden investigations the highlight of the agenda is basically saying the GOP has no solutions to what really matters.

Margie Sutcuoglu, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Rebuilding after storms challenging, enforce FEMA 50% rule