Double standard or the height of hypocrisy?
To the Editor:
It was with irony and concern that I read an article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune a few days ago.
The article, written on Jan. 25, reports on a plan by the wealthy homeowners on Casey Key to leave Sarasota County and form their own city so they can take control of their exclusive retreat against small commercial activities and tourists that use the public beach on the key.
The irony comes from the fact that one of the homeowners, and a leader of the incorporation attempt, is Bob Gunther. Yep, the same Bob Gunther of Highpoint Tower who is continuing his efforts to build a marina for large boats (up to 70 feet in length) off the northern end of Pine Island in direct opposition to most of the local residents of Bokeelia and Pine Island. Obviously, Mr. Gunther’s civil-minded dedication to preserve and protect a community’s desire in protecting its own interests does not extend much further than his front door.
The disturbing part of the article was a reference to Mr. Gunther’s successful 3-year effort to build a dock off his $7.8 million home on Casey Key when concerns of potential harm to sea grasses were raised.
The marina in Bokeelia would be built out into the sovereign waters of Charlotte Harbor and is opposed by the South Florida Water Management District for various reasons including the sea grass issues. The area of the marina is not on property owned by Mr. Gunther but would have to be leased from the state of Florida. However, Highpoint Towers is attempting to overturn that decision via other channels, and SFWMD is not currently allowed to provide public comment.
Is Mr. Gunther applying the same tactics used to get his Casey Key dock? Will we see outside money win out over the expressed interests of a Lee County neighborhood?
I sincerely hope that the Lee County officials will protect the interests of the townships in its unincorporated areas and fend off attempts to destroy any neighborhood’s established way of life. Not all areas have the financial capacity to incorporate in order to protect their neighborhood’s best interests. I also hope that SFWMD will continue to protect the fragile waters of Charlotte Harbor and chose environmental protection over needless development.
Ron Lueth
Bokeelia