Let’s keep Pine Island an oasis of peace
To the Editor:
I, too, faithfully read the opinions page and Ms. Dawn Shevlin is correct that one is finally forced to reply.
I have to wonder why she moved to a place that is so obviously unsuitable. And having moved here, why would she stay? Perhaps it is because of the entertainment she gets from her so unsophisticated neighbors. If she finds it so burdensome to drive off island to meet her needs, she probably should live off island.
As to the suggestion of an assisted living facility, I think Ms. Coulborn is thinking in the right direction. It would be hard to imagine a business which would have less impact on our roads and schools and still provide many full-time, year-round fair paying jobs. Florida’s problem is that it has depended solely on construction and tourism for far too long. If the proposed farm worker housing project in Bokeelia were instead an assisted living facility, I am sure the howls of protest would subside to mere whispers.
Regarding the Publix, we already have a grocery store that is very adequate. They provide good food at fair prices and, if not seven varieties of caviar, certainly enough variety for most of us bumpkins. They also have been a good neighbor to us both in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley and in supporting many community endeavors.
Bottom line, the vast majority of residents of Pine Island feel very fortunate to have found an oasis of peace in the hustle of South Florida. We like it just the way it is.
Dorothy Tanner
St. James City