Relocating to Stuart like 'Twilight Zone'; Martin sheriff opines on addiction center
Relocation to Stuart good "Twilight Zone"-type experience
We are artists, have been married for more than 40 years and have explored various countries, living in the Dominican Republic most of the time. We spent many years in South Florida and at the tender age of 75, we decided to cash it in and move back to Florida.
Our oldest daughter relocated and purchased a home in Stuart in Martin County. We followed her to Stuart and three or four months after, we discovered how pleasant Stuart and its residents are.
While driving, I mentioned to Mayra: “Have you noticed how polite the people of Stuart are?”
Entering or leaving stores, we were met with smiles and courtesy, strangers opened doors and asked us if we needed help carrying packages, always with smiles and some cheerful comments. Even while driving, cars would give us the right of way with smiles and waves of the hands. We waved back, saying thanks.
I could hear the voice of Rod Sterling in my head as he would recite his monologue before every "Twilight Zone" episode:
”Here we have Mr. and Mrs. Velez. They reached their 75th birthdays and are ready to re-retire in the friendly and hospitable town of Stuart, Florida, full of smiles and helpful and friendly people. Like them, they also searched for a friendly retirement. Little did they realize their last stop was here in Stuart, Florida: forwarding address, with a signpost up ahead, the Twilight Zone.”
In the background, I could hear the famous "Twilight Zone" theme music, de de de ti, de de de ti …
It is a real pleasure, Stuart.
Denis Velez, Stuart
Martin County sheriff offered good reason to oppose rehab center
After reading Blake Fontenay's column, "Shunning addiction center sends uncaring message about our community," I could not help but think he might have missed a news story in another media outlet a few weeks ago.
It was about a man from out of state who came to Florida for substance abuse treatment only to leave the treatment facility a few days later against medical advice and, after allegedly scoring a bunch of drugs and then stealing a car, led Martin County Sheriff officers on a high-speed chase that ended in a terrifying crash. Luckily, no one was killed as a result.
Against this backdrop, is there any wonder why Sheriff William Snyder, along with much of the local community, are adamantly against the proposed 140-bed substance abuse treatment facility in Stuart?
Joe O'Grady, Palm City
DeSantis expenses: Keep public in loop
"Florida conceals records on DeSantis travel costs," reads the headline May 20 in your newspaper.
It may be more appropriate if it read: "Public figure. Public money. Public disclosure."
The new law (from 2023) is argued that it blocks the public from knowing. I say change that law, or, if the governor is for the citizens of Florida, keep them in the loop.
Ronald D. Roberts, Sebastian
High-profile Trump detractors have one thing in common
Michael Cohen, George Conway, Mitt Romney, Chris Christie, Stormy Daniels: What do they all have in common?
They were all looking for something from President Donald Trump, a position in his White House or a spot on "The Apprentice," and like children when not getting their way, became angry ―- and nasty, vengeful adults.
Joan Hall, Vero Beach
Lies about Biden, Israel show GOP hypocrisy
GOP critics of President Joe Biden's decision to withhold 2,000-pound bombs from alleged war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu's murderous attack on innocent Gaza civilians use typical GOP distortions and lies.
Fact: Far from defeating Hamas, those bombs destroy whole city blocks, killing masses of innocents while not penetrating the Hamas tunnels, where terrorists operate and hide hostages.
Fact: Biden continues to send defensive weapons (Iron Shield) to Israel.
Fact: These same GOP critics in Congress blocked and delayed by six months Biden's bipartisan legislation providing crucial military aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Fact: Right-wing extremists like Marjorie Taylor Greene attack House Speaker Mike Johnson for working with Democrats to save Ukraine and delay Netanyahu's genocidal policies.
Fact: We need a policy that establishes a Palestinian-Israeli policy that enables both sides to live in peace and security. This means self-governance in Gaza after Hamas is destroyed by means similar to those Gen. David Petraeus used to pacify Iraq by isolating and destroying Arab terrorists.
Voting Democratic in November will promote a path to peace in Gaza and victory over Donald Trump's pal Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. It's time to "throw the bums out" and, sadly, the once honorable Grand Old Party now has the "bums" at every level of our government.
Hopefully, such cleansing will bring the GOP to its senses and restore a functioning Congress for all Americans, not just the rich and powerful.
Robert A. Gibbons, Stuart
Make America land of opportunity again
Donald Trump promises everything is going to be all right.
He’ll close the border — again. He’ll make us energy independent — again. He’ll rebuild our national defense — again.
We trust him because he did these things before.
He says he’ll cut inflation. It was only 1.9% under him. Prices are up 20% since Joe Biden took office. We all know that Biden opened the border to 10 million illegal immigrants and now won’t close it. Biden tries to buy votes; for example, student loan forgiveness. The Supreme Court says no; he tries anyway. Trump cut taxes big time; Biden says he’ll raise them.
Starting with the rout in Afghanistan, our foreign policy is a mess. Trump kept the wolves guessing. Biden is on the verge of World War III.
We need a full-scale housecleaning. Beginning at the top, electing Trump is a good start, but even a strong leader is not enough. We have to vote the career do-nothings out of office and replace them with patriots who will help Trump complete his agenda. This means electing Republican majorities in both houses.
What is Trump's agenda? In addition to the items listed above, he’ll cancel programs that are obsolete and shift funds to other areas. In the long run, eliminating overregulation and government spending opens opportunity for market solutions.
John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan proved tax cuts free up capital for new technologies and economic expansion. This growth creates new jobs and a more competitive society.
America was the land of opportunity. It can be again.
Tom Miller, Vero Beach
DeSantis, Legislature, GOP endanger Florida with climate change law
Per your recent front-page story, "Bill's OK cuts references to climate change":
Gov. Ron DeSantis continues the ignorance of the Rick Scott administration and has signed legislation that disallows any mention of the phrase "climate change." This is just another example of his disagreements with scientific evidence available to those who circumscribe to facts and truth.
Climate change is a known fact; to say otherwise is foolish and dangerous.
This news assaulted our senses when the National Weather Service issued the highest heat warning possible and meteorologists have issued "serious" heat advisories only May 17, not Sept. 17. These warnings were not just concerning Florida, but many other states.
Has the current GOP been diagnosed with brain death?
The majority of that party has now joined the MAGA cult, so it should be no surprise to see this dogged reliance on lies and disinformation.
Due to word limitation, I cannot list each of the anti-climate changes enacted by this legislation and noted in the article, but please read it in total to get the full gist as it is fairly disturbing for anyone who believes in a fair democratic process. Governor Cruel strikes again.
I will end by adding this quote from Greg Knecht, executive director of The Nature Conservancy:
"Striking climate change language from the current law not only harms Florida's future, but our present economy, too. This bill is a disservice to the renewable energy sector, local communities and all Floridians."
It's a sad state of affairs when your governor and his GOP controlled Legislature can, at will, destroy our environment, mock scientific information and degrade our living conditions.
Sharon E. Garland, Hobe Sound
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Stuart great place, best for rehab center? DeSantis being too coy?
