Almost half of Floridians live their pay | June 15th
Affordable energy
Almost half of Floridians live on payroll. This clearly shows that the cost of living exceeds wages for too many families. Our governments and businesses need to do more to expand affordable housing, but they can’t stop there.
Housing costs do not end with rent or mortgage. The High Utilities Bill, which includes a rate hike proposed by Florida Power & Light, makes it difficult for families to float. Even if a new home is built, the rise in energy rates is quietly digging into household finances. Worse, the Public Service Advisory Bureau says that FPL rate hikes are not necessary either!
According to FPL, hiking rates has to do with increasing grid reliability, but customers deserve clarity and fairness. Last year I saw this same excuse on a Tampa Electric rating hike. More leaders are needed to stand up to these utility handouts and pass the reforms of the Public Service Commission.
When we work to make homes more affordable, we should expect the same things as our energy system. After all, if the lights are too high to maintain, an affordable home is not affordable.
Ashton Maddox, Tampa
Climate change is keeping the soil warm | July 1st
Good problem
I was delighted and surprised to see that I stumbled over a Times article and admitted that climate change is keeping the planet warm. As you certainly know, certain anti-‘awakening’ Magazine Florida leaders have heroically protected us all from these dangerous words by erasing “climate change,” “global warming,” and “sea-level rise” from official state vocabulary, so I hope you have a good lawyer for your vassals. I dare to see the risk of bringing Floridians back to reality! The next thing you know is that people may ask questions about the way they’ve flooded, the sudden rise in premiums, or why they need canoes to pick up groceries.
Anyway, keep doing a good job. But next time I might use more approved terms like “unexpected paddle,” “wetlands by Sunshine,” or my favorite “I see nothing here.”
David Berg, Tampa
“Aligator Alcatraz” detention centre approved June 25th
Repeated history
Don’t get it wrong: Crocodile Alcatraz will be a concentration camp with tents to accommodate a small population, barbed wire fencing and boundary guards. The final outcome should be clear, but Florida is where history lessons die.
Rick France, Tampa
••••
Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
