Letter to the Editor

+ Backflow-prevention devices land on the ugly list
Dear Editor:
Ms. Friedmann’s lengthy and detailed letter in last week’s Longboat Observer certainly would offer firm evidence that she is qualified to be the lead negotiator for the town in any matter regarding the crummy cell phone reception pervasive in the north end of Longboat Key. However, cell phone antennae do not necessarily have to be “ugly” towers. Many exist almost unseen on the tops of tall buildings and provide adequate short-range functionality. As far as avoiding ugliness, let me remind Ms. Friedmann that every house or building on Longboat Key has an ugly back-flow preventer, usually in the front yard. Two buried in-line check-valves could provide the same degree of back-flow safety without the existing ugliness. We have the ugly aboveground variety because the then-town manager insisted the state required them. My son lives in Volusia County; I visit him frequently and have yet to see a single back-flow preventer anywhere in Volusia County.
Weldon G. Frost
Longboat Key

+ Police report doesn’t explain the entire story
Dear Editor:
Regarding “Hot Air” reported in the Cops Corner column of the Nov. 7 issue of the Longboat Observer.
We read and enjoy the paper and the Cops Corner column is nothing, if not entertaining, at times. How fortunate we consider ourselves to reside on Longboat Key.

I am disappointed that this incident was not fully reported, and I would like to set the record straight.
The balloons in front of the Centre Shops were tied loosely, and some of them were on very long ribbons. As I approached on my bicycle, the breeze blew several of the balloons clear across the sidewalk. The ribbon and balloons blew across my neck and face. As the report (correctly) stated, I am 71 years old and endeavor to err on the side of caution when riding my bicycle. I applied the brake and stopped as the balloon was completely blocking my vision and the ribbon was wrapped around my neck. Fortunately, I did not fall or run into something.

I collected myself, wrapped the ribbon around my handlebars and proceeded to ride through the shops looking for someone in charge. No one appeared, and the vendor whom I asked simply stated that he didn’t know the name of the person in charge.

I left the Centre Shops with the balloon tied to my handlebars and proceeded to finish my ride.
As they say, the rest is history ... or someone’s version of history. Two of Longboat’s police officers stopped and questioned me. I explained exactly what had happened and that I had entered the Centre Shops to warn someone of the danger of the balloons. The officer responded that he would have to go back and check before he could comment on the hazard. I encouraged him to do so and gave him the balloon. I clearly communicated that the balloons were a danger blowing all the way across the sidewalk. He advised me it was a “civil matter.”

We parted ways and I returned immediately to the Centre Shops to take pictures (which I have) of the balloons blowing across the sidewalk right of way. I also spoke with the “organizer of the event” as she quickly attempted to retie the balloons. Clearly, the officers saw the reality of the situation and requested that she do so.

I regret the report that was published did not include the pertinent facts in respect to why I had the balloon. The ribbon broke as it wrapped around my neck.

Friends and family here now refer to this as the “balloon caper.” 

As a television icon that portrayed a police officer for many years stated, “Just the facts.”
Vicki Anderson
Longboat Key