Letter to the Editor

+ Pay attention to beach flags
Dear Editor:
As winter residents begin returning to Longboat Key, Longboat Key Fire Rescue (LBKFR) wants to remind everyone that Longboat Key does not have lifeguards on duty at its beaches. Keeping that in mind, it is important for beachgoers to become familiar with the Water Conditions Flag Program that LBKFR has implemented. This program provides beachgoers the conditions of the surf along Longboat Key.

Deciding which color flag to fly is determined by reports from both Lido and Cortez beach lifeguards who report their conditions to Mote Marine daily. LBKFR will obtain the most stringent of the two beach reports and fly that color flag at both Longboat Key Fire Stations. Residents not familiar with the beach-flag concept may stop by the fire department because signs defining the flag colors have been posted at the entrances of both fire stations.

This program has been implemented in an effort to prevent injury and possible death by educating the public on water conditions. The department cannot stress enough the importance of water safety.
As always, the fire department is available to provide public-education programs upon request. To request a speaker, please call 941-316-1944.

Paul B. Dezzi
Longboat Key Fire Chief

+ Drop meat from the menu
Dear Editor:
What really scares me is the meat industry. This is the industry that mutilates, cages and butchers billions of cows, pigs and other sentient animals. Feeds carcasses of cats and dogs killed in pounds to chickens. Exposes undocumented workers to chronic workplace injuries at slave wages. Exploits farmers and ranchers by dictating wholesale market prices. Punishes documentation of its abuses through unconstitutional “ag-gag” laws. Promotes world hunger by feeding nutritious corn and soybeans to animals. Generates more greenhouse gases than any other human activity. Generates more water pollution than any other human activity. Creates a permanent “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico that dwarfs the BP oil spill.

Creates deadly antibiotic-resistant pathogens by feeding antibiotics to animals. Creates epidemics of salmonella, listeria and other infectious diseases. Promotes mortality from diabetes, heart failure, stroke, cancer and other diseases.

Now, that’s really scary. And this is why I am dropping animal products from my menu.

Lee Latta
Longboat Key