Just say no
To the editor,
Until the late 1960s, the Florida legislature met every other year for 60 days – many suggest they should gather every 60 years for two days.
Unfortunately, today begins a new “circus” year in Tallahassee, led by our own representative Trudi Williams – a.k.a. “Goldilocks” – who just can’t find the right living space for her comfort. She is, however, ready to file a Bill allowing development in wetlands with the need of permits from the State and the Army Corps of Engineers to “streamline” the process. Ms. Williams seems to know very little about her backyard that may be in Lee County. Wetlands are essential to the wildlife that supports ecotourism that supports the county that she represents.
Last week, Sanibel was fortunate to host two days of Audubon scientific presentations on Roseate Spoonbills and Woodstorks. Both of these feathered beauties are threatened by poor hydrology i.e. wetlands that are impacted by development. A woodstork family needs 440 pounds of small “wetlands” fish to successfully nest. The last two years have seen no nesting but we are hopeful that this year, things will be better.
Knee-jerk suggestions from our representative Williams and Senator Mike Bennett will surely be detrimental to our flame birds and flint heads, the storks. Please, as citizens who love Sanibel and Southwest Florida, contact Ms. Williams and Mr. Bennett and just say no to such “business.”
Paul D. Andrews
Sanibel