Letters: Jax Beach voters say ‘NO’ to taller buildings, 'YES' to thriving future

On Election Day, May 16, 82% of Jacksonville Beach voters reiterated their desire to maintain the “small beach vibe” by rejecting a charter amendment to raise the height limit on a city-owned block. Developers, along with some local council members, wanted to increase the height limit as their path toward improvement.

Citizens let their voices be heard by responding passionately and voting to continue the promotion of a small-town atmosphere in our growing Beaches community.

Our neighboring cities have 35-foot height restrictions and their downtowns are thriving and quite charming. Although our city officials have not worked with residents to agree upon a vision for our downtown, new development has already started within the current 35-foot height limit and these projects are also thriving.

If the council works with citizens and developers creatively (rather than greedily) when looking to update the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Development Code, our downtown can become a welcoming area for both residents and visitors. As an example, working with local leadership to build a YMCA in downtown Jacksonville Beach would improve quality of life and attract new businesses.

The NO votes cast on the “55-foot Amendment” were a YES vote for our future in Jacksonville Beach.

Zann Thames Williams, Jacksonville Beach

Memorial Day for those who paid ultimate price

During my lifetime, one member of my family — a U.S. Marine ― was killed in action in Korea. I was more fortunate, having returned from the Vietnam War without a scratch (I have a bumper sticker that says "Vietnam: We were winning when I left").

Accordingly, I am most appreciative of both Memorial Day, honoring those who died serving our country, and Veterans Day, honoring all military veterans of our Armed Forces.

That said, I have observed many times over the years that when organizations or events take a time-out to celebrate Memorial Day, we often use that opportunity to add our appreciation for all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. More often than not, the veterans in attendance are often asked to stand and be recognized. I am proud to do so.

But by adding our recognition of all veterans to the Memorial Day remembrance of those who were killed in action, are we somehow diminishing our recognition and appreciation of the latter? Perhaps we should wait until Veterans Day in November to recognize all veterans. On Memorial Day ― tomorrow — let's focus on those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Sam Heffner, Ponte Vedra Beach

Short memories on undocumented workers

Apparently, Florida has either forgotten (or was unaware of) the stringent rules that Alabama passed about 10 years ago regarding immigrants who were not documented. Those who raised crops in need of picking almost went out of business. It was one of their worst years. Even when American workers were hired, they invariably lasted a few days at best because the work was so hot, tiring and poorly paid.

So, Florida, are you doing the same thing to the hard-working farmers of Florida by your stringent, uncompromising rules on immigrants without papers? If so, Florida will be in the same boat as Alabama.

What is wrong with this state that it has become so intolerant of anything the governor doesn't like? Is this how he shows America what a great president he would be?

Legislators and governors need to realize that enacted laws can be helpful, they can be hurtful and they can be harmful. This Legislature has done a little of each and that's probably why they set aside $16 million to deal with some already-filed lawsuits.

This will resonate in a national election.

Terri Quint, Ponte Vedra

New law helps end period poverty

I am writing to express my gratitude to the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate for unanimously passing CS/HB 389 and to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing this legislation, which authorizes school districts to make menstrual hygiene products available, at no charge, in Florida’s middle and high schools. This is a significant step forward in addressing period poverty in our state, which affects students’ education and well-being.

It is alarming that one in four teens has missed class due to a lack of period supplies. We are happy that Florida’s leaders recognize that sanitary menstrual supplies are as essential as toilet paper and soap for maintaining good health and school attendance. Providing period products in student bathrooms will allow girls to manage their periods safely and with dignity allowing them to focus on their education.

Chris Warren, vice president, Renewing Dignity Inc.

DeSantis in denial on systemic injustice

I recently saw an excerpt from the riveting second inaugural speech by Gov. Ron DeSantis where he said "Florida is where woke goes to die." I was really excited about the speech until I realized I didn't know what "woke" meant.

So, like I often do when I'm confused, I Googled "woke" and found the following from DeSantis' own general counsel, Ryan Newman. He said “woke” is “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them.”

Stop me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this make being "woke" a good thing? Isn't it the essence of being American to address injustice?

DeSantis' general counsel followed it up by saying that the governor does not believe there are systemic injustices in the United States. Seems that the governor is in denial.

Scott Schleifer, Jacksonville

No more self-storage units

Thank you for the May 15 article explaining why self-storage facilities are so prolific and lucrative to developers. As literally boxes stacked atop boxes, accumulated possessions can be stored with limited human interaction.

It was interesting and informative to read that concerned cities across the country are taking action to stop the misuse of valuable land for these purposes. In Jacksonville, residents and businesses on the Southbank have been working tirelessly to stop a five-story self-storage project on a prime corner of land located at Prudential Drive and Hendricks Avenue, just steps away from the river.

Let us hope our City Council listens to real community concerns, as well as upholds existing zoning codes in the imminent vote on this unwanted project. Jacksonville should not become another example of the ill-placed proliferation of these mushrooming warehouses.

Pam Sorenson, Jacksonville

Travel bans just political theater

The recent travel bans issued by the NAACP and other civil rights groups were obviously a prelude to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential announcement on May 24. The ban is purely political and certainly not fact-based.

I do find it curious that Leon Russell, NAACP board chair, continues to live in Tampa, where he has resided for many years. Besides, there are dozens of large Democratic-run cities and states that are far more dangerous to visit.

If good schools and voting rights are your thing, Florida is the place to be.

John Ekdahl, Ponte Vedra Beach

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Defeat of '55-foot' amendment means Jax Beach won't look like Miami