Letters to the editor

Snowbird bullied on the beach

Dear Editor:

I am a 76-year-old retired health care professional from Massachusetts visiting a friend on Siesta Key. I have been visiting the same condo complex for five years and am known to many of its fine residents. 

Unfortunately, it only takes one, or in this case several, bully to cause serious trouble.

A resident accosted me on Easter Sunday and again the next day as I was walking with my two small Shih Tzus along the “private” beach located on the property.

I was careful to stay at the mean high-water markers because I had heard that these bullies carry on like this. The dogs were leashed, and I was prepared with doggie waste bags as usual. 

A woman on the beach started screaming that my dogs are not allowed on the beach, although her dog was enjoying a romp in the surf. She screamed at me to leave the beach, because I “had no right to be there.” I ignored her and continued to the end of the beach and back. She followed me in close proximity, screaming insults such as, “You can’t afford to buy here … leave!” She persisted the entire time, even though it was evident that I was leaving the beach.

I didn’t respond except to remind her that anyone has the right to walk the shoreline and wished her a happy Easter/Passover. Her response was to call me the “B” word.

The following day, the same woman accosted me, but this time she brought reinforcements — three residents screaming and following me with a camera. The situation escalated because the two women came so close to me that they obstructed me from leaving. They threatened to be there every day to prevent me “from ever having a comfortable stroll again.” 

I made a police report and am hopeful that an investigation will take place. The officer informed me it is against the law for any dog to be on a beach, private or public. The bullies who enjoy seeing their dogs frolic in the surf but stop others from doing the same are breaking the law themselves.

Let’s hope some kind of action is taken by the condo governing boards and police to ensure the health and safety of guests at the condo complex.  

Or perhaps this pattern of bullying and intimidation will be allowed to persist until someone is hurt, as often happens in today’s world, unfortunately.

Brenda Burke

Siesta Key