Letters to the editor: readers sound off on beach parking

Let's share our beaches

When will the beach parking reopen?

I live on Longboat Key and can use the beach anytime. Which I do, walking almost every day.

And I am also a witness to the beachgoers, etc. And I will tell you that when the parking opened back up again after the big lockdown, we had more beachgoers but never huge crowds. And they always observed the small-group, distancing “rules.” It was great to have some more happy, healthy souls back!

I don’t understand why the parking was curtailed again.

Aren’t we dealing with a virus that we resist better when we have plenty of sunlight, saltwater and Vitamin D? Why can’t we share this health good fortune with others?

I’ve lived here 30 years and I know our reputation for being exclusive and snobbish. When I drive by all the yellow tape and No Beach Parking signs that line every access and scream  Keep Out! I think here we go again, living up to our reputation.

Hey, if we really are “in this together” why don’t we get friendly and really live it?

Thank you!

Diane Mason
Longboat Key

So much to see on our beaches

Mother Nature has been working overtime this summer providing beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. But often times, we on Longboat Key have them to ourselves because of the public parking situation. 

Maybe it's time to open up a bit, with limited hours .

It seems a shame to let these amazing sights go unseen.

Fanny Cabot

Longboat Key

Beach visits are healthy for seniors

Why does LBK continue to deny the public use of its public beaches? 

During the summer, my wife and I used to love to come over to Longboat Key, watch sunsets and walk the beach.  We seniors are encouraged to be outside and engage in healthy activities. 

On weekdays especially, there's very few people and occasionally we are the only people there. 

Under these conditions the chances of catching the virus are almost non-existent.

 Please re-open the beaches.

Bill Townsend

Sarasota