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A view of Sarasota’s Ringling Bridge.
City negligent in maintaining the Ringling Bridge
I have enjoyed walking the Ringling Bridge for many years and it is definitely one of the crown jewels in Sarasota to be enjoyed by many. As the temperatures were more comfortable, I resumed my weekly walks in September and was shocked at the lack of general maintenance around and on the bridge.
Weeds grow in the cracks of the sidewalk in the access to the bridge. There are large fire ant mounds along the sidewalks. The owners don’t tidy up behind their dogs.
It’s a shame the City of Sarasota doesn’t take better care of its property.
More: How to send a letter to the editor
I would also like to see the ban on cycling on the bridge walkway enforced. As a pedestrian, I shouldn’t have to look over my shoulder to avoid being run over by a cyclist.
My final concern is that the city doesn’t provide toilets near the Ringling Bridge. I am so grateful for the Hart’s Landing bait shop that allows the public to use its facilities.
Come on Sarasota City please step up and take better care of our beautiful bridge – and let all visitors know that you care enough to keep it up.
Pandora Utley, Sarasota
Increase Mental Health Support
I appreciate the attention the Herald-Tribune received on November 15 (article by Kimberly Moore) on mental health, but the stories convey a very outdated view of mental health (Florida closed area’s mental health safety net G. . Pierce Wood Hospital “).
Instead of rehashing past mistakes, we should focus on today’s crises. The number of mental health problems has been increasing for decades, particularly among children and adolescents, and has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.
We’re just not prepared to deal with what’s to come. The good news is that the science of the brain and behavior has grown exponentially. Today we know that most mental health problems are both preventable and treatable.
The story goes on
Ensuring a safe and stable early childhood can prevent many problems. It can help children who have difficulty regulating their emotions or who suffer from anxiety and avoid long-term problems.
Adults with chronic symptoms can lead productive and contented lives in the community with appropriate support. The real problem is that we do not yet have to invest enough in strengthening our human infrastructure. If we paid as much attention to promoting well-being as we did to roads and bridges, our society would be happier, healthier, and more productive.
Andrea Blanch, Sarasota
Usher: Patrons appreciate COVID rules
Last week you printed two letters stating that performing arts venues in Sarasota are practicing apartheid by enforcing COVID-19 protocols and calling for the boycott of the arts (“Boycott Art Over COVID-19 Rules” and “Theater Rules.” about COVID are divisive ”.).
My wife and I are introducing virtually every art venue in Sarasota. Last month, I was asked to recommend that visitors entering these venues have their vaccination and security IDs available twice at the Opera House, twice at Holley Hall, and once at Van Wezel.
I have interacted with over 2,000 patrons. Of these patrons, two rejected the protocol.
Almost everyone had their vaccination certificate and ID card ready. Most didn’t comment, but almost everyone who did thanked us for making them feel safe and comfortable going to the theater.
It is not our aim to “separate our sadly divided population”, as one letter writer said. Rather, it is about keeping people safe, healthy and alive!
Stephen Dickman, Sarasota
Positive improvements at Arlington Dog Park
Thanks to those responsible for the new seating at Arlington Dog Park!
It’s so much better than the jumbled assortment of chairs donated during the pandemic. It was starting to look like a junkyard (“Ask Park Visitors About Improvements,” Nov. 13).
The new seating is movable so people can gather and sit in the shade, and the chairs can be stacked for yard service. The move was well managed so that those who wanted their chairs back had an opportunity to take them home. Good move.
Tracy Sax, Sarasota
Reminder of the turning point in civil rights
Thank you for creating and publishing “Seven Days of 1961” in an updated edition. It’s important information that reminds us all of how difficult it has been to achieve even the slightest level of compliance with the law aimed at ending racial and color discrimination.
Hopefully this reminder will lead to a less emotional and more reasonable assessment of the proposed changes in so many facets of American life.
Phyllis Prager, Sarasota
SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Letters must include the author’s name, full address, and daytime phone number and must not be longer than 200 words. (Only name and location will be published.) We may group letters together and edit them for accuracy. Authors are not allowed to publish more than one letter every 30 days. We cannot publish every letter we receive. We no longer accept letters by post. Email letters to: editor.letters@heraldtribune.com.
This article originally appeared on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: City collapses while working on the bridge, thanks for “Seven Days of 1961”
