Free Florida?
Florida Attorney General warms up Fort Myers after City Council refuses ice immigration partnership | March 20th
This bullying and all that is intense as the Fort Myers City Council voted not to register for a particular immigration customs enforcement program. Entering Florida on Interstate 95 onto the East Coast, you will be greeted by a sign that reads “Welcome to the Free State of Florida.” What a joke!
The Florida Free State prohibits local governments from making decisions that disagree with Florida’s pre-determined power of attorney. Florida’s free state teaches us things we cannot read and teach. The decision to manage vacation rental occupancy must be a local decision, but not Florida’s free state.
There are more examples of the free state of Florida’s daily life and invasion of decisions, but they are too many to mention. I have lived in this state since I was a little kid. I love it but I don’t recognize it anymore. Lip Florida.
Lena Stevens, Largo
American politics
Young people who are less involved in the current political environment | March 11th
I think the political situation today has become even more strict and polarized as the sudden upheaval of the 1960s, namely civil rights struggles, protests from the Vietnam War, and political assassinations. Despite past conflicts, leaders once sought compromise. Partisanship is dominant at present, and mediation is rare. Social media and non-stop news cycles amplify departments and capture common ground.
But hope remains. Theodore Roosevelt’s call to be the “arena man” reminds us that involvement is essential. Young people who are unhappy with Gridlock must be encouraged to participate, not just bystanders’ criticism.
Local politics should be a gateway for change, but it should thwart campaign costs and partisan candidates. Solutions exist – grassroots funding, nonpartisan groups, election reform and leadership – require collective effort to break the status quo.
America has overcome a deep division before. Do you allow us to step up to shape a better future or polarization to define us? History shows that change is possible if we dare to engage.
Tom Feister, Tampa
Has Doge been approved?
Trump announces Boeing will win future fighter jet contract | March 22
First, let me say I am a strong advocate for a robust military. My only question regarding commissioning of the next generation fighter jets is that was this decision reviewed through Doge? Does Elon Musk approve?
I’m looking for friends.
Terry R. Arnold, Treasure Island
Latin and playing cards
South Florida Latinos support Trump crackdown | March 24th
As a Cuban, here as an American citizen since the age of 10, and since the age of 19, I’m not surprised by comments from Latinos who support President Donald Trump. When an ordinary American appears to be caught up in Guantanamo, he doesn’t want to put a bullseye in his family for investigation. I would like to add that the Cubans who support Trump have not had a great track record of selecting winners in Cuba.
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Rene Torres, Tarpon Springs
Sports Page Love
Top 10 Most Essential Players to Team Success | March 23rd
I always read the sports page first and draw a real great deal of joy from articles by sports writers, including Mark Topkin and John Romano. I especially loved the analysis of the 10 Tampa Bayrays, the most crucial to team success. I was worried when I didn’t meet my favorite player right away. But when Josh Lowe was number one, I was excited. Thank you to Marc Topkin for making it right. Keep up the amazing work!
Holly Haley, the new Port Richie
There’s less worry
As a coach and teacher, my number one priority is the safety of my students. Our parents trust us to be prepared for any emergency, including heart events. Whether in the classroom, hallway or field, there is an automated external defibrillator nearby, and a practiced plan is essential for survival.
But not all Pinellas and Hillsboro County schools have heart emergency response plans, creating a dangerous gap. Each year, 23,000 children (seat capacity at Amalie Arena) experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital, with 40% linked to sports.
We’ve seen how plans can save lives. Last spring, athletes collapsed during track practice at Leto High School. I immediately ran the CPR, but my assistant principal, Scott Hazlett, ran for an automated external defibrillator. That quick response saved his life.
Heart emergency response plans can increase survival rates by up to 50% if schools are trained to call 911, start CPR and use automatic external defibrillators quickly. As an educator, I want to be ready to protect my students.
I am proud to work with the American Heart Association to encourage lawmakers in Hillsboro and Pinellas County to support SB 430/HB 337 to ensure that all schools have heart emergency response plans. We owe it to students and their families so that they are ready when seconds matters.
Lauren Perek, Tampa
