Letters to the editor for Sunday, October 9, 2022

We can reduce impact of hurricanes

The off-the-chart damage caused by Hurricane Ian this past week should make us all stop and rethink how we should be conserving and protecting our “real” ecosystems like mangrove swamps that used to surround and protect us in “Paradise.”

One of the most fundamental statements in our wetland textbook ( Mitsch and Gosselink, 2015. Wetlands, 5th ed., John Wiley) is that “[c]oastal wetlands absorb the first fury of ocean storms as they come ashore. Salt marshes and mangrove wetlands act as giant storm buffers.” Eliminate nature and eventually our human landscapes will disappear. Most of the mangroves that use to protect Naples from the south are mostly gone. Mangrove scientist Robin Lewis described many of the mangroves in Rookery Bay area in Naples as suffering.

Aumann et al. (2018) reported in Geophysical Research Letters in 2018 that “current climate models project that with our current increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of 1 percent per year, tropical ocean surface temperatures may rise by as much as 2.7 degrees C by the end of the century. This study team concludes that if this were to happen, we could expect the frequency of extreme storms to increase by as much as 60 percent.

We can begin to rebuild and save the State of Florida if the decisionmakers in place today use proven scientific studies as articulated above as their guide. Otherwise, we are literally sunk.

Dr. William Mitsch, Ph.D., professor emeritus -- The Water School, FGCU

Lely Canal project saves money

Back in the early 2000’s, $62 million (much via taxes) was needed to improve the water flow in Collier County’s canals and help reduce or even eliminate daily flooding in our communities. One canal, the Lely Main Canal, was part of that upgrade. After a builder opted out of paying for this section of the canal system in an area they were developing, Collier Enterprises plugged (pun intended) much of the project’s shortfalls for the betterment of all of us. We just defeated the second major hurricane within the past five years to hit this county with minimal if any water damages (apologies to downtown Naples). Hurricane Ian had at least a 7.62 foot storm surge (from what I could find details on). We live less than three miles from the bay as the crow flies or water seeks. The project itself was designed, managed and completed by many smart companies, organizations and our own Collier County government. By having Mother Nature help us control surges via gravity and the widening of the canals, no longer are community pumps, or any other extreme measures needed for our homes to stay dry. That $62 million initial investment has saved homeowners, various county services (i.e., emergency, clean-up, repairs), even insurance companies so much more than $62 million for just these two storms. I’d like to say “Thank You” to the designers, managers and worker bees that made this project a reality and keeping our homes dry!

Glenn Church, Naples

Rebuild with storms in mind

The devastation to our barrier islands is immense and makes us feel helpless before Mother Nature's power. We have total sympathy for those who have lost their homes, property, and health in this storm.

However, perhaps we should take a moment before rushing into the natural impulse to rebuild as before. Can we consider less development on these isles? Perhaps leave them as natural weather breaks and recreational areas? The next storm will certainly overrun these islands (and most of Evacuation Zone A) again, so why be in a rush to rebuild?

Rising sea waters with warmer temperatures ensure that Ian won't be the last storm to inundate our area. Let's try to rebuild with this in mind.

Robert Savino, Fort Myers

Conservative believer in climate change

I am a conservative and believe that climate change is real. In my life I have witnessed many cycles in the weather and witnessed the impact it has had on water levels. In Michigan in the early 1990’s the water level in Lake Michigan was so high that homes on the west bluff of Michigan were falling into the water. Fifteen years later there was 100 yards of beach between that same bluff and the waterline. Another 15 years has gone by and the water levels again threating the homes on the bluff. The difference between my outlook on climate change and the liberal mind is that I am not arrogant enough to think I can control the forces of nature. Time to adapt and evolve.

Don Rader, Naples

Hurricane Ian far worse than Andrew

Having lived in this state for decades, many people have me asked for Florida storm comparisons; specifically, was Ian worse than Andrew?

I resided in Miami and worked in South Miami in 1992, during Hurricane Andrew. Having volunteered for the United Way in Homestead after the storm, I witnessed the complete destruction and harrowing heartbreak endured by so many. It was horrific.

Hurricane Ian’s size, scope, and very slow movement caused thorough devastation that affected far more people in much larger and more populated areas. Many parts of Southwest Florida -- huge areas spanning cities, counties, and islands -- have incurred indescribable, and in many cases, irrevocable damage.

Hurricane Ian was a larger storm than Hurricane Andrew. It moved much more slowly, so it lasted longer -- all day and into the night. Hurricane Andrew had stronger clocked winds, but those winds moved much more quickly within a smaller storm. More than anything else, Hurricane Ian produced an annihilating, massive storm surge, worse than anything anyone in this state has ever experienced. Two-story houses were flooded to the roofs, cars washed away, homes moved off of foundations, some collapsing into the violent water.

All major storms that hit metropolitan areas are horrible, and no major loss is without emotional and physical toll.

Until now, Hurricane Andrew was considered the worst storm to hit Florida. Hurricane Ian, by all standards, was far worse.

Please keep the people of SW Florida in your prayers.

Caroline Seefchak, Fort Myers

Here to help meet enormous need

I guess there will never be another “I” hurricane to wash across ours shores. Good riddance, with no disrespect to my nephew Ian and all other Ians and Irmas who may read this.

The national news may get away from the political left vs. right fight for a while to report the Southwest Florida devastating event until someone decides what the next crisis is to be showcased and then forgotten.

What is left behind is an enormous need for families that have lost their homes, their work and even worse. While I type this the right course is in action. All the emergency workers are giving their best and help from the state and federal governments will get here and is greatly appreciated. All the county government agencies will work tirelessly as will the nonprofits and medical professionals to help get us back to normal.

People may forget that they have a church, synagogue, temple or other religious building in their neighborhood. These buildings are built and paid for by people who care about other people.

Reach out if you are in need regardless of your religious beliefs. They are there to help.

Volunteer your time if you can. A wise man once said, “It is better to give than receive.”

Tim Winschel, Naples

Little progress in hardening infrastructure

It is a pity that with all the efforts and rhetoric after the last few hurricanes that virtually no real progress has been made in hardening our infrastructure against hurricanes. Power is down, water is unsafe to drink, gasoline is almost impossible to find, and cell and internet service is so bad as to be virtually useless. One would think we could do better, but our politicians have other priorities: primarily fighting against anything that would actually improve people's lives while they concentrate on thought crimes. It is pitiful. I couldn't even send this email when I tried. Maybe later, maybe not.

I seem to remember after the last hurricane that a bunch of laws were enacted to ensure that fuel would be available after the next one. Well, they didn't work. Two days after the storm it was nearly impossible to find fuel in the Coconut Point, Estero area. Nearly every station was closed and even the megastations were closed. What happened to the regulations about stations having generators so they could be opened? As far as I can tell, nothing is different at all from previous storm problems. Thanks DeSantis. I guess this must the liberals fault after all. It certainly can't be yours.

Clarke Blacker, Fort Myers

Dispersing critical information

An open comment to the Bonita Springs City Council, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, the governor of Florida and the president of the United States:

I appreciate the splash and dash of your press conferences that splash headlines through the media as you dash on to other things. At least they raise some awareness.

That is not enough. We need actionable information when we need it.

We need to know where distribution points are, when services will be restored (at least an estimate), and how we can apply for the programs you help make available.

For our peace of mind – and perhaps our lives – this critical information needs to be available to those who need it when they need it.

Connection to the internet, for us, may be uncertain. So, this information needs to be presented in various formats such as a website, and a responsive outgoing telephone messaging system, and notifications by text, and a Facebook presence combined with other social media – all drawn from the same database that can be constantly updated by the agencies involved – so the information will be there when we can connect.

Please note that I am a resident of Hickory Boulevard in Bonita Springs – which is still barricaded. When I got to my apartment I may have to walk two miles each way – unless I get a ride from a deputy or Red Cross volunteer. These suggestions come from me and my friends and neighbors.

In addition, for your information, I am a candidate for the District 3 seat on the Bonita Springs City Council.

Steven Blumrosen, Bonita Springs

Help our community's most vulnerable

In Fort Myers Beach, older adults need volunteers to provide chore services to them as they try to return home. Volunteers can clean debris from their backyard, remove furniture and check on the electrical breakers to make sure the house is ready to accept electricity. Elders and disabled adults cannot do all that.

As government and private companies put their action plan in place, no plan is considering the unique needs of elders and disabled adults. It is time for us not to ask for more elders to volunteer but for more people to volunteer and help our community's most vulnerable adults.

Gema Hernandez, Fort Myers Beach

Volunteers appreciate kindness

Just want to say thanks from the American Red Cross to the kind couple we met at Skillets restaurant in Naples for treating four volunteers to breakfast. Your kindness is appreciated. We are here for you and your neighbors, so have anyone reach out to www.redcross.org for assistance. Thank you.

Art Shaw, Great Falls, VA

Mitigating water damage

Is it possible that Ian water damage to the beach and Gulfshore Boulevard area might have been less if the outflow pipes had been removed and the new pumps installed?

Thank you for keeping your readers informed.

Dorothy S. Kuzneski, Naples

Vote out two-faced DeSantis

Our governor spends state money on illegally and immorally transporting immigrants, sends state law enforcement to Texas where it is not needed and organizes a totally unnecessary state election police. He has disrespected our president by calling him Brandon.

Now that we have a really serious emergency he wants the federal government to bail out the “free" state of Florida. He is a dangerous joke on Florida, let’s vote him out.

Albert King, Naples

DeSantis doing excellent job

Your article about Gov. DeSantis was disgusting. He is doing an excellent job for our state. He has been working so hard to keep our people safe with this storm and everything possible to restore our beautiful state. At a time like this, everyone should get behind him and offer our full support, not divide by cheap politics.

Nancy McGaughey, Naples

Any 'Forty Niners' still here?

Wondering if there are any members of the "Forty Niners" 1949 graduating class left in Fort Myers especially after the horrific Hurricane Ian wiped out so much, or are perhaps subscribers to this paper and living elsewhere.

I used to live at 1815 Fowler St., now part of the Butterfly Farm, just 2 1/2 blocks from the end of the Edison Bridge. Can anyone tell me how did it fare during the hurricane? Did the storm surge reach it?

Is there anyone left who took art lessons around 1947-1950 from my father, Paul de Launay? I have just published his biography in case anyone is interested. Would appreciate hearing any information at r2cwrites@yahoo.com.,

Rosesmarie de Launay Carr, Uvalde, TX

Warned about building on coast

I operate the Catman2 Cat Shelter in Cullowhee, NC. I have sent $1,500 to the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers because it seems to be the animal shelter with the most need. In the late 1960’s I lived in Clearwater and worked for the Florida Department of Natural Resources doing environmental impact statements for building permits along the south Florida coast and I am sorry to say that although my reports were not to build on low-lying coastal areas and barrier islands, the local courts chose to ignore the truth and allowed building despite of my warnings. Since then, the coasts of Florida have been built up with subdivisions, businesses and hotels in these areas. Now south Florida has had a wake-up call and are paying the piper. I could and would say more if there were space. So. Let me say that the lord said to build upon the rock and not the shifting sand. I hope that we take that advice and not rebuild again in these same areas. Our Earth is warming, the sea level is rising, and our population is growing. Let’s rebuild inland of these areas and use them for recreation and not cover them with buildings as we did before.

Dr. Harold W. Sims Jr., Cullowhee, NC

More help needed in River Park

Where’s the help? Where’s the response? Where are the services? Who’s thinking about the River Park community right in the heart of downtown Naples?

Calls for assistance are delayed or have gone unanswered, yet all around this historically Black community, clean-up activity is at a fever pitch. Support for River Park seems to be left to churches, small service groups, and volunteers who are doing their best. But so much more is needed!

Mayor, city manager, agency heads, shame on you. Get moving. This neighborhood is part of our community and entitled to your best efforts.

RIcki Bajer, Naples

Pelican statue endures

My mother has been decorating the Pelican statue in their front yard in Pelican Landing for years. At Christmas time the Pelican statue dons a Santa cap, at Halloween a mask, at Thanksgiving a pilgrim hat, etc. My mother, now 90 years old, is no longer able to decorate the Pelican statue. I moved in with my parents in 2019 to help them and continued her tradition of decorating the statue. During COVID the Pelican wore a mask, and the day before Hurricane Ian I bought a children’s float from the dollar store and slipped it around the Pelican. This was my first hurricane and like so many Floridians was floored by the strength of Ian. We were fortunate and survived and did not have significant damage to our property. Miraculously our Pelican statue managed to hold onto his floatee throughout the hurricane. I had a funny sense of pride about that. In closing our hearts and prayers go out to our fellow Floridians who are now facing hardship in Ian’s wake.

Caroline Carpino, Bonita Springs

Thanks to line crews, contractors

Thanks to Florida Power & Light line crews and contractors for repairing the storm damage and getting the electricity back on. You are the best.

David Driapsa, Naples

Water pressure too low

The community residents along Treeline, between Daniels Parkway and Colonial, have had a series of meetings with elected officials and the water department of Fort Myers. The water pressure has been too low for several years while building permits continue to be issued followed after construction by certificates of occupancy. Two large apartment complexes are almost completed along Treeline, close to the new water pumping station that is supposed to help increase water pressure.  A townhouse community on Treeline, behind the Winn-Dixie shopping plaza, of over 100 homes is almost complete. All of these will compete for the water line availability along Treeline which cannot properly serve existing homes. Most recently, several hearings were held in Fort Myers with elected officials and the water department regarding the future proposed development of the corner of Daniels Parkway and Treeline. This large land parcel was "gifted" by the owner, with Lee County commissioner approval, to the City of Fort Myers. This surely is a "Trojan Horse" gift as the city allows more density of construction and a large apartment complex is proposed. More traffic at this busy intersection and another water demand on the antiquated and inadequate system.  Now, the entire city waits for water!

Joe Bromiley, Fort Myers

Incumbents best qualified for Collier schools

Collier County’s school board has been working well together with the best interests of the students, teachers, parents, and community foremost for several years. This is evidenced by Collier being the ONLY school district in Southwest Florida with an “A” rating. The overall operations and communication during remote learning are other great examples of a district of which we can be proud.

Dr. Jory Westberry, Jen Mitchell and Roy Terry all have educational backgrounds, strong experience and solid qualifications. They are clearly qualified for re-election to the school board.

The opposing candidates, financially backed by a wealthy local business owner who refers to them as his “freedom picks,” have seemingly been groomed to be puppets for him if they’re elected. Why has he not the backbone to run for office? He is just as unqualified as the candidates to whom he donates many thousands of dollars. Or, is his plan to have his company’s food provision contract bids sail through the approval process, with his “picks” on the board? It’s something to consider.

The question is, why vote for candidates who are embarrassingly unqualified, are clearly beholden to their largest donor, have no knowledge of pedagogy or educational best practices, and adhere to fearful myths about our public education system?

I plan to vote for qualified, level-headed school board candidates who know how a school system operates and how education works for our community, our state, and for America as a whole: Dr. Jory Westberry, Jen Mitchell, and Roy Terry.

Georgia Willis, Naples

Kanter for Collier County commissioner

Let me tell you about Barbara Kanter.  I have known her for over 25 years, most of the time in Illinois where I still live. She is intelligent, well educated, entrepreneurial, very sharp and opinionated.

I'm relatively conservative. Ms. Kanter and I disagreed on a lot of topics.  But she is well informed and I always respected her opinion. Although friends, I don't shill for anyone I don't believe in. I believe in Barbara Kanter.

In Illinois, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an elected official in an office you never heard of. Barbara Kanter is a much better selection than any of those people in my experience. Illinois' loss is Florida's gain.

Vote for Barbara Kanter for Collier County commissioner.  I would.

Bob Taylor, Hoffman Estates, IL

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Letters to the editor for Sunday, October 9, 2022