Its no surprise that I'm one of those who agree that 4-1 decision to make Lake Hideaway the next residential development site at a questionable time. The rationale of the vote is further in question because, as reported in the January 16th edition of Hernando Today, “Shaky Economy Halts Talks of Impact Fee Hike”. As it stands, Hideaway lots will bring in less in impact fees than if a delay in the decision had been considered to lessen the impact of more development and the accompanying stresses on the County infrastructure.
County government is lackadaisical in following the basic principle of making profitable economic decisions: make money and don’t give away freebees. It will cost more in taxpayer moneys to provide county services than what will be gained from property taxes. I should think Commissioner Dave Russell, local businessman, would give more thoughtful guidance for the best return on the County's property investments. There was no reason for the Commission to rush the approval of another development; it's come to be known as The Lake Hideaway Giveaway.
The estimated 2,400 homes and 1,300 townhouses on 886 acres at The Hideaway will be more than twice the 1,750 homes on 280 prime acres atop Hickory Hill but not nearly as numerous as the 4,800 residential units and 75 motel rooms on 1,385 acres in the adjacent Sunrise subdivision.
Lest we not forget the 365,000 square feet of retail space at Sunrise and the planned 50,000 sq ft of retail at The Hideaway. The Hill is the only exception, but where there are more people, there are more retail stores with more low paid employees. The average yearly income of a worker in the Hernando is about $28,000 – in the Tampa area the figure jumps to $38,000. The ratio of affordability is not that much of a difference.
So, where will these homeowners work to afford the $150,000 to $350,00 homes at Lake Hideaway? They will have to commute to some destination outside the county. Already, 34% of working people in the county are employed elsewhere.
Commissioner Rowden might find some solace with the token $370,000 set aside for affordable housing, even though the “state formula” indicates it isn’t required in this new development. Her quest for “affordable workforce housing” will have to wait for another day; it’s an elusive pipedream no matter where people live in Florida.
Perhaps of more importance than all else, take into consideration that at the 2007 Hernando County Economic Summit a goal was set to add 10,000 new homes by the year 2025. Since last April, when Hickory Hill was approved, 10,250 units have been approved. On an imaginary grade scale, the Board gets an A-plus for exceeding the goal but Commissioner Rowden, the sole dissenter in each case, brings a suggested FCAT score to a very poor rating.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Re: Tails
Hernando County is having another time of its life. Now that the county is even more attractive to retailers, the future is as bright as the discount-priced incandescent light bulbs along the aisles at Wal-Mart. It’s as though the County is the magnet and retailers are drawn into another wave, or more likely a waiver, of progress.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Looking at it another way, retailers are the flame and Hernando residents are moths given no other option for a brighter future other than a progression employment opportunities. How many mothers and fathers foresee their sons and daughters making a career at one of these soon-to-be newly constructed visions of dollars and cents to the County. Medical benefits would be nice but how likely is a retailer to provide such a benefit? (It’s an honest question; I don’t know if they do/don’t.)
The increased number of youth in the area during the past few years will have the opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge and skills after graduation, if not getting a head start as part time employees while in High School. The future is theirs for the taking. They don’t have much choice but to take it or leave it, as in heading outside the economic confines of the County.
The real winners will be those of self-interest. The County targets increased revenue in retail sales of an additional $800,000,000 (800 million buckaroos) in the next few years, as proudly reported by the Hernando Times. There’s a hint that there’s a reliance on attracting consumers from surrounding counties – these are the folks who have other job opportunities that provide them with salaries quite a bit above the average wage earner in Hernando. Locally, how much additional disposable income do consumers have unless it happens to be plastic in nature?
The actual portion of sales receipts that will find its way to County pockets is an evasive realization to most of us.
There’ll be a resurrection of sorts with lots of construction other than residential homes but how many of those jobs will be garnered by the labor force? How many local businesses will profit from supplying the variety of materials needed to bring these businesses to fruition?
Taking all into consideration, executives of those well-known companies whose headquarters are located elsewhere outside the County, and their investors, will be the biggest profiteers for their local ventures.
Perhaps the most positive aspect of these newest retailers is how the added traffic will cause a backup of cars, creating scenarios that will lessen the ability of speeders to terrify those who are more inclined to respect posted speed limits.
Other than that, it’s just the S.O.S.O. of retails.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Looking at it another way, retailers are the flame and Hernando residents are moths given no other option for a brighter future other than a progression employment opportunities. How many mothers and fathers foresee their sons and daughters making a career at one of these soon-to-be newly constructed visions of dollars and cents to the County. Medical benefits would be nice but how likely is a retailer to provide such a benefit? (It’s an honest question; I don’t know if they do/don’t.)
The increased number of youth in the area during the past few years will have the opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge and skills after graduation, if not getting a head start as part time employees while in High School. The future is theirs for the taking. They don’t have much choice but to take it or leave it, as in heading outside the economic confines of the County.
The real winners will be those of self-interest. The County targets increased revenue in retail sales of an additional $800,000,000 (800 million buckaroos) in the next few years, as proudly reported by the Hernando Times. There’s a hint that there’s a reliance on attracting consumers from surrounding counties – these are the folks who have other job opportunities that provide them with salaries quite a bit above the average wage earner in Hernando. Locally, how much additional disposable income do consumers have unless it happens to be plastic in nature?
The actual portion of sales receipts that will find its way to County pockets is an evasive realization to most of us.
There’ll be a resurrection of sorts with lots of construction other than residential homes but how many of those jobs will be garnered by the labor force? How many local businesses will profit from supplying the variety of materials needed to bring these businesses to fruition?
Taking all into consideration, executives of those well-known companies whose headquarters are located elsewhere outside the County, and their investors, will be the biggest profiteers for their local ventures.
Perhaps the most positive aspect of these newest retailers is how the added traffic will cause a backup of cars, creating scenarios that will lessen the ability of speeders to terrify those who are more inclined to respect posted speed limits.
Other than that, it’s just the S.O.S.O. of retails.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hernando County Running on Fumes
This past week the price that investors pay for crude-oil futures slid above $100 per barrel. The significance of the increase will accentuate the hardships of parents who transports kids to school events, charitable organizations whose volunteers deliver essentials to the needy, school districts whose bus expenses have already put thoughts of putting the lives of children at risk by making them walk to their schools, pizza delivery employees whose tips may be insufficient to warrant the limited pay they already receive… and residents of Hernando County who work outside the area.
The pay may be an attractive draw to seek and maintain employment in Pasco and Hillsboro Counties, but these commuters are going to be hit hard in their pocketbooks. With the cost of most everything else going up and the challenges of paying property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums there’ll be little left to spend on what the Federal Governments expects from citizens to spur the economy.
The only means of people to purchase anything other than the essentials for their families will be by credit card. The Fed can lower the prime rate to zero and you can bet your life savings that interest rates on those plastics devils won’t go much below 15%. Heck, even with an excellent credit score, the worst culprit of my credit purchase woes is Bank of America. Others are currently charging less but those introductory rates have an ending date that I don’t remember and, worse, the loan holders don’t supply that information on the monthly statements.
There are many Americans whose credit ratings put their interest rates above 20% or default rates close to 30%.
Let me go back a few paragraphs where I mentioned there are a good number of Hernando County residents working outside the area. Their numbers equal about 34% of the County’s working residents. Let’s say the average commuter puts 40 miles on their vehicle to get to work to destinations south of here, double that for a round trip then multiply by the 5-day workweek. That’s 400 miles per week. This is probably a conservative figure.
Not long ago the price of a gallon of gas was right around $3.00 so let’s assume a worst case scenario with the cost going up to $3.75 by July, as suggested by AAA, and the vehicle get 25 miles per gallon. The expense in gas would go from $48.00 to $60.00 every month. The cost of car maintenance and repairs will surely go up, but can’t be avoided to keep the machine at its best performance.
If there are thoughts of a new vehicle, forget it. The cost of my auto insurance just went up 10% from six months ago – no tickets, no accidents, no claims. A ’95 truck and an ’03 car. The telephone rep explained the increase was due to the cost of repairs and/or claims in Hernando County. I didn’t feel safe in lowering the coverage because of being a homeowner, so I fudged a bit about my estimated annual mileage.
If you think the cost of gasoline couldn’t get much worse, take into consideration that, just last month, investors in oil futures are betting that the price of crude to reach two hundred dollars - that's $200. As the cost of petroleum goes up, so do the prices of nearly everything we Americans take for granted. And, as prices go up, the Dow will likely go down because people will have less to spend.
Whenever anyone suggests the slump in the economy will correct itself in a couple of years, I just don’t see it happening. After a dismal December for retail stores, January figures showed a pitiful gain of .4% - just a little more than nothing. Then I read that retail sales include gasoline. Without the increase of the price of gasoline, retail sales would have been less than zero over the prior month! Hell-O! And a Happy New Year!
In a county that relies on retail, construction and property tax revenues, Hernando County has three strikes against its economic well-being. With a new administrator or not, there are some hefty challenges in the foreseeable future. It’ll be quite some time before new homes are built, thus construction laborers will have plenty of idle time in their lives to do whatever else is available to give them entertainment.
Workers are often displaced for lack of need in their chosen fields of employment and must seek other endeavors to achieve a measure of success in their lives. It’s a rude awakening but, when survival is at stake, the brave and venturous shall inherit the paycheck.
This can and should be addressed by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. They and their “constituents of interest” need to get off their doo-dahs and plan for a future that leaves behind the ho-hum doldrums of menial jobs and low wages that have been allowed grow as quick and thick as unwanted Florida groundcover in a manicured garden.
Without the guidance and consideration of any and all the people of influence for the future of Hernando County, a solid economic future cannot be resurrected from the past decade of housing growth. At one point the County had a tank full of gas - now it’s running on fumes, about to stall out.
The pay may be an attractive draw to seek and maintain employment in Pasco and Hillsboro Counties, but these commuters are going to be hit hard in their pocketbooks. With the cost of most everything else going up and the challenges of paying property taxes and homeowner insurance premiums there’ll be little left to spend on what the Federal Governments expects from citizens to spur the economy.
The only means of people to purchase anything other than the essentials for their families will be by credit card. The Fed can lower the prime rate to zero and you can bet your life savings that interest rates on those plastics devils won’t go much below 15%. Heck, even with an excellent credit score, the worst culprit of my credit purchase woes is Bank of America. Others are currently charging less but those introductory rates have an ending date that I don’t remember and, worse, the loan holders don’t supply that information on the monthly statements.
There are many Americans whose credit ratings put their interest rates above 20% or default rates close to 30%.
Let me go back a few paragraphs where I mentioned there are a good number of Hernando County residents working outside the area. Their numbers equal about 34% of the County’s working residents. Let’s say the average commuter puts 40 miles on their vehicle to get to work to destinations south of here, double that for a round trip then multiply by the 5-day workweek. That’s 400 miles per week. This is probably a conservative figure.
Not long ago the price of a gallon of gas was right around $3.00 so let’s assume a worst case scenario with the cost going up to $3.75 by July, as suggested by AAA, and the vehicle get 25 miles per gallon. The expense in gas would go from $48.00 to $60.00 every month. The cost of car maintenance and repairs will surely go up, but can’t be avoided to keep the machine at its best performance.
If there are thoughts of a new vehicle, forget it. The cost of my auto insurance just went up 10% from six months ago – no tickets, no accidents, no claims. A ’95 truck and an ’03 car. The telephone rep explained the increase was due to the cost of repairs and/or claims in Hernando County. I didn’t feel safe in lowering the coverage because of being a homeowner, so I fudged a bit about my estimated annual mileage.
If you think the cost of gasoline couldn’t get much worse, take into consideration that, just last month, investors in oil futures are betting that the price of crude to reach two hundred dollars - that's $200. As the cost of petroleum goes up, so do the prices of nearly everything we Americans take for granted. And, as prices go up, the Dow will likely go down because people will have less to spend.
Whenever anyone suggests the slump in the economy will correct itself in a couple of years, I just don’t see it happening. After a dismal December for retail stores, January figures showed a pitiful gain of .4% - just a little more than nothing. Then I read that retail sales include gasoline. Without the increase of the price of gasoline, retail sales would have been less than zero over the prior month! Hell-O! And a Happy New Year!
In a county that relies on retail, construction and property tax revenues, Hernando County has three strikes against its economic well-being. With a new administrator or not, there are some hefty challenges in the foreseeable future. It’ll be quite some time before new homes are built, thus construction laborers will have plenty of idle time in their lives to do whatever else is available to give them entertainment.
Workers are often displaced for lack of need in their chosen fields of employment and must seek other endeavors to achieve a measure of success in their lives. It’s a rude awakening but, when survival is at stake, the brave and venturous shall inherit the paycheck.
This can and should be addressed by the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. They and their “constituents of interest” need to get off their doo-dahs and plan for a future that leaves behind the ho-hum doldrums of menial jobs and low wages that have been allowed grow as quick and thick as unwanted Florida groundcover in a manicured garden.
Without the guidance and consideration of any and all the people of influence for the future of Hernando County, a solid economic future cannot be resurrected from the past decade of housing growth. At one point the County had a tank full of gas - now it’s running on fumes, about to stall out.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
One in Ten Thousand Ain't Bad... or is it?
Did you catch the front-page story in The St. Petersburg Times on Sunday, February 17?
Prescription drug painkillers are ruining the lives of individuals, families and longtime friendships. Dying from an overdose is a sure way to put a quick end to each and every relationship, good or bad.
The Times provided a descriptive list that accompanied pictures and bar graphs identifying the increase of each drug in 2005 and 2006. Four of the drugs showed double-digit percentile increases, as much as 75%; two drugs were at a status quo level; the others represented a group of drugs that have seen a decrease over a year’s time. Most are painkillers while others are muscle relaxers that double as cough suppressants.
Regardless of their names or active ingredients, these drugs can all have the same effect if not taken as prescribed: death. Pop a pill, crush another one and maybe mix them with alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, or some other street drug and you don’t know what you got until maybe it’s too late.
I took note that figures shown for Hernando County were low, 11 in 2005 and 18 in 2006. But, that represents an increase of 64%, which is more than double any of the other three counties - Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough. Heck, you might brush the number aside if you equated the figures in Hernando County to show that “just” .012% of the population (160,000) overdosed in 2006. That’s “only” slightly more than 1 in 10,000! Numbers also indicate the odds will get better for early deaths by prescription drug overdose.
I heard myself sigh a barely audible humph when I read one of the results of a study of accidental deaths by overdose: The dead most often held jobs in manual labor, the service industry or the medical field. Holy cow, momma, that’s just we got here in Hernando County – lotsa them there jobs.
The numbers don’t surprise me. I’m surprised the figures aren’t higher. I have very little doubt that the number of habitual users and abusers would make your head spin without the assistance of any of these drugs. I also suspect there are a pretty good percentage of teenagers and young adults in their 20's who partake on a regular basis, putting themselves at risk. It’s trendy stuff and boy is it fun to get other kids to join the pack. Male and female, alike, do it and it’s really neat when two like-minded people can get it on and get off together.
There are drug dealers, but there are also "bud’s" and "bro’s" to count on to supplement a daily regiment of ‘scripts. If you don’t meet ‘em at school, you have one heck of a good chance to hook up with a few good contacts when you spend a couple nights in the county jail. That’s the cool thing about being behind bars: there’s always something "good" to look forward to when probation begins.
Yep, Hernando County is where construction jobs (manual labor), retail jobs (the service industry) and doctor assistants (medical field) are in full bloom, just like the poppy fields in Afghanistan during harvest season.
And you know what? The number of deaths by drug overdose will increase exponentially with more of the same job opportunities in the foreseeable future. The local job market needs a pain reliever.
Dear Father, who art in heaven, please deliver us from these evils!
Prescription drug painkillers are ruining the lives of individuals, families and longtime friendships. Dying from an overdose is a sure way to put a quick end to each and every relationship, good or bad.
The Times provided a descriptive list that accompanied pictures and bar graphs identifying the increase of each drug in 2005 and 2006. Four of the drugs showed double-digit percentile increases, as much as 75%; two drugs were at a status quo level; the others represented a group of drugs that have seen a decrease over a year’s time. Most are painkillers while others are muscle relaxers that double as cough suppressants.
Regardless of their names or active ingredients, these drugs can all have the same effect if not taken as prescribed: death. Pop a pill, crush another one and maybe mix them with alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack, or some other street drug and you don’t know what you got until maybe it’s too late.
I took note that figures shown for Hernando County were low, 11 in 2005 and 18 in 2006. But, that represents an increase of 64%, which is more than double any of the other three counties - Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough. Heck, you might brush the number aside if you equated the figures in Hernando County to show that “just” .012% of the population (160,000) overdosed in 2006. That’s “only” slightly more than 1 in 10,000! Numbers also indicate the odds will get better for early deaths by prescription drug overdose.
I heard myself sigh a barely audible humph when I read one of the results of a study of accidental deaths by overdose: The dead most often held jobs in manual labor, the service industry or the medical field. Holy cow, momma, that’s just we got here in Hernando County – lotsa them there jobs.
The numbers don’t surprise me. I’m surprised the figures aren’t higher. I have very little doubt that the number of habitual users and abusers would make your head spin without the assistance of any of these drugs. I also suspect there are a pretty good percentage of teenagers and young adults in their 20's who partake on a regular basis, putting themselves at risk. It’s trendy stuff and boy is it fun to get other kids to join the pack. Male and female, alike, do it and it’s really neat when two like-minded people can get it on and get off together.
There are drug dealers, but there are also "bud’s" and "bro’s" to count on to supplement a daily regiment of ‘scripts. If you don’t meet ‘em at school, you have one heck of a good chance to hook up with a few good contacts when you spend a couple nights in the county jail. That’s the cool thing about being behind bars: there’s always something "good" to look forward to when probation begins.
Yep, Hernando County is where construction jobs (manual labor), retail jobs (the service industry) and doctor assistants (medical field) are in full bloom, just like the poppy fields in Afghanistan during harvest season.
And you know what? The number of deaths by drug overdose will increase exponentially with more of the same job opportunities in the foreseeable future. The local job market needs a pain reliever.
Dear Father, who art in heaven, please deliver us from these evils!
Small Business Blues
There’s no business like no business. There’s no financially stable business I know.
I noticeably upset a local small business owner, Prime Time Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping in January. I hadn’t received my new payment booklet for service prior to the assigned due date of the 15th so I assumed that after a week’s delay that they had gone out of business or decided to discontinue services to residential customers since the profit margin is nominal.
Therefore, I had to make alternate plans for the upcoming growing season when the grass is high and leisure time is low. I didn’t want to consider another service agreement so I made a decision to go it alone. Unfortunately, the lawn mower I purchased five years ago has been sitting idle in the garage for going on two years doesn’t have the blade clearance that meets the suggested height of maintaining the growth at 3 inches. (That was a time when rains were sufficient to pretty much guarantee that the grass would grow and grow and grow to new heights within days of rain.)
So, when I finally got the new payment book toward the end of January, I called the service and left a message that I wished to cancel the service. A week later the lawn maintenance professionals showed up and I kindly explained I had already informed the owner of my decision. He mowed it anyway as his daily work order dictated.
The next day Nick called and left a message on the recorder saying I told him that I had made repeated calls to cancel. That definitely was not the case – just the single call. His message informed me that no message was received and my number did not show up on his Caller ID service. He further informed me of the original contract agreement that, after the mandatory first year of service, a new agreement required me to give a 30-day notification of cancellation.
His message also included words that were on the verge of pleading me to reconsider my decision, professing concern that I was dissatisfied with his service and a request to discuss the matter with me. When I returned the call I talked to co-owner Tony and he reiterated other words that wanted me to understand their position that too many people cancel service on a seasonal basis that digs deep in their pocket of profitability. Elderly homeowners typically follow this practice because the $67.00 fee is due monthly, which drives up the operating costs during the summer. They rely on wintertime income to make up the difference because during those low-growth periods there may be no need to make the service call. You can’t cut dormant grass.
I understood, but my mind couldn’t be changed. I had already done some quick math to figure that the expense of purchasing a new mower would save me money after maybe six months of doing the work myself. Besides, I’ve come to an age of physical contempt against my tendency to keep my weight at a preferred standard of acceptability. Besides, with no landscaping, it’s a simple mow. A rock garden needs no maintenance. My back yard has a few trees, a couple bushes, some flowers and the vines along the back fence are free to grow as they may.
Besides, the heat will put those sweat glands to work at a level that will benefit my body's ventilation system.
I learned a lesson with my first home when I had to spend most of a weekend trimming, cutting, weeding and withstanding the heat of the blaring sun. I didn’t really mind too much because I liked to see the variety of foliage adorn the views of my property. This time around I decided to make it simple. As a cousin had called my yard “The Ron Rae Gardens”, I wanted to maintain that honorable reference, so I successfully planned the new landscaping to be simple, yet attractive to the eyes. It’ll take a couple years for everything to come to full bloom but I look forward to seeing the progressive growth patterns.
So, I agreed to honor the original agreement with the mowing service and submitted payment for January and February. I doubt they will even need to perform their duties but once or twice before the day of termination approaches.
During all these situations, I began to consider the trying times that all small businesses have to endure. Some will simply close shop, terminating rental agreements or declare bankruptcy. Not just in Hernando County but statewide and even countrywide. Of major concern these small businesses are trying to make ends meet here, locally.
When a business realize its demise they are no longer likely able to keep up their property tax bills. Their responsibility is still mandated by law. Government revenue is impacted negatively. Eventually someone will be held responsible for back taxes… and the accrued interest… if and when the property is subsequently bought. It could, and probably will be, long in coming.
Nothing has been accomplished, and not likely to be done any time soon, about reducing property insurance premiums and land taxes but perhaps there are other means to show business owners that the County is a dedicated partner for each of their success.
Is there not some way for county government to take steps to stem the loss of revenue? Legally, it may not be feasible, but is it possible to implement a structured means to give small businesses a reprieve of responsibility of the challenges of keeping their operations with a positive cash flow by reducing their property tax expenses? Until economic times are eventually realized, could these businesses not be given tax breaks that would continue to provide income to their employees, and themselves, thus giving revenue to the county?
With verification of licensed, bonded and insured small business owners, could their tax responsibilities be realigned to keep them, their families and others operating in Hernando County? It would be a challenge to come up with a just formula, but perhaps income tax filings could provide valid claims of their negative financial status. There’s chance of fraud but there may be a means to reduce that concern.
Does it not make sense that, although full tax payment is not realized for the county, a win-win scenario for everyone involved would stave off the demise of small business owners and the likely result of loss of population?
Maybe not, but it’s still economic food for thought.
I noticeably upset a local small business owner, Prime Time Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping in January. I hadn’t received my new payment booklet for service prior to the assigned due date of the 15th so I assumed that after a week’s delay that they had gone out of business or decided to discontinue services to residential customers since the profit margin is nominal.
Therefore, I had to make alternate plans for the upcoming growing season when the grass is high and leisure time is low. I didn’t want to consider another service agreement so I made a decision to go it alone. Unfortunately, the lawn mower I purchased five years ago has been sitting idle in the garage for going on two years doesn’t have the blade clearance that meets the suggested height of maintaining the growth at 3 inches. (That was a time when rains were sufficient to pretty much guarantee that the grass would grow and grow and grow to new heights within days of rain.)
So, when I finally got the new payment book toward the end of January, I called the service and left a message that I wished to cancel the service. A week later the lawn maintenance professionals showed up and I kindly explained I had already informed the owner of my decision. He mowed it anyway as his daily work order dictated.
The next day Nick called and left a message on the recorder saying I told him that I had made repeated calls to cancel. That definitely was not the case – just the single call. His message informed me that no message was received and my number did not show up on his Caller ID service. He further informed me of the original contract agreement that, after the mandatory first year of service, a new agreement required me to give a 30-day notification of cancellation.
His message also included words that were on the verge of pleading me to reconsider my decision, professing concern that I was dissatisfied with his service and a request to discuss the matter with me. When I returned the call I talked to co-owner Tony and he reiterated other words that wanted me to understand their position that too many people cancel service on a seasonal basis that digs deep in their pocket of profitability. Elderly homeowners typically follow this practice because the $67.00 fee is due monthly, which drives up the operating costs during the summer. They rely on wintertime income to make up the difference because during those low-growth periods there may be no need to make the service call. You can’t cut dormant grass.
I understood, but my mind couldn’t be changed. I had already done some quick math to figure that the expense of purchasing a new mower would save me money after maybe six months of doing the work myself. Besides, I’ve come to an age of physical contempt against my tendency to keep my weight at a preferred standard of acceptability. Besides, with no landscaping, it’s a simple mow. A rock garden needs no maintenance. My back yard has a few trees, a couple bushes, some flowers and the vines along the back fence are free to grow as they may.
Besides, the heat will put those sweat glands to work at a level that will benefit my body's ventilation system.
I learned a lesson with my first home when I had to spend most of a weekend trimming, cutting, weeding and withstanding the heat of the blaring sun. I didn’t really mind too much because I liked to see the variety of foliage adorn the views of my property. This time around I decided to make it simple. As a cousin had called my yard “The Ron Rae Gardens”, I wanted to maintain that honorable reference, so I successfully planned the new landscaping to be simple, yet attractive to the eyes. It’ll take a couple years for everything to come to full bloom but I look forward to seeing the progressive growth patterns.
So, I agreed to honor the original agreement with the mowing service and submitted payment for January and February. I doubt they will even need to perform their duties but once or twice before the day of termination approaches.
During all these situations, I began to consider the trying times that all small businesses have to endure. Some will simply close shop, terminating rental agreements or declare bankruptcy. Not just in Hernando County but statewide and even countrywide. Of major concern these small businesses are trying to make ends meet here, locally.
When a business realize its demise they are no longer likely able to keep up their property tax bills. Their responsibility is still mandated by law. Government revenue is impacted negatively. Eventually someone will be held responsible for back taxes… and the accrued interest… if and when the property is subsequently bought. It could, and probably will be, long in coming.
Nothing has been accomplished, and not likely to be done any time soon, about reducing property insurance premiums and land taxes but perhaps there are other means to show business owners that the County is a dedicated partner for each of their success.
Is there not some way for county government to take steps to stem the loss of revenue? Legally, it may not be feasible, but is it possible to implement a structured means to give small businesses a reprieve of responsibility of the challenges of keeping their operations with a positive cash flow by reducing their property tax expenses? Until economic times are eventually realized, could these businesses not be given tax breaks that would continue to provide income to their employees, and themselves, thus giving revenue to the county?
With verification of licensed, bonded and insured small business owners, could their tax responsibilities be realigned to keep them, their families and others operating in Hernando County? It would be a challenge to come up with a just formula, but perhaps income tax filings could provide valid claims of their negative financial status. There’s chance of fraud but there may be a means to reduce that concern.
Does it not make sense that, although full tax payment is not realized for the county, a win-win scenario for everyone involved would stave off the demise of small business owners and the likely result of loss of population?
Maybe not, but it’s still economic food for thought.
Tally Ho!
A little upset, annoyed, frightful or just plain in disbelief that our County Commissioners approved yet another mega subdivision to include 3,700 new living units at what will surely become a builder’s showcase during an upcoming Parade of Homes?
Get used to it!
A year ago, at the Economic Summit meeting of local officials, community leaders and influential business operatives, there was mention that a goal of 10,000 new homes were targeted for growth in Hernando County by year 2025.
Since last April, Hickory Hill, Sunrise and now Lake Hideaway have easily passed through the welcome doors of county development. A quick tally shows figures of 1,750 exquisite homes at the Hickory Hill site; 4,800 homes (plus 75 motel rooms) at sister-site Sunrise; and now Lake Hideaway with 3,700 homes. The simple mathematic equation totals 10,250 builder and real estate broker dreams of profitability.
This figure surpasses the original goal, so I guess on an imaginary grade scale commissioners deserve an A-plus. Poor Commissioner Diane Rowden, the sole dissenter in each case, brings a suggested FCAT score to a poor rating. You can imagine that local politicians would like to boot the lady out of office this November (if she sustains the nomination in the August primaries) and implant a more accommodating yes-man or woman.
The number of acres to be claimed for the three residential subdivisions is roughly 2,550 or a quarter acre of homeowner property.
None of these figures include other developments that had already been given a stamp of approval. Southern Hills may be the poster child of builders’ woes because demand doesn’t accommodate supply.
I foresee other homes to be given consideration in the next two years. There will be a likely rush of land use hearings in anticipation of voter approval of the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative in November 2010 to put the choice of development in the hands of local residents.
So, dear reader, be forewarned that a Master Plan, most likely dictated by Tallahassee politicians, will bring forth an array of new homes sites throughout Hernando County.
Get used to it!
A year ago, at the Economic Summit meeting of local officials, community leaders and influential business operatives, there was mention that a goal of 10,000 new homes were targeted for growth in Hernando County by year 2025.
Since last April, Hickory Hill, Sunrise and now Lake Hideaway have easily passed through the welcome doors of county development. A quick tally shows figures of 1,750 exquisite homes at the Hickory Hill site; 4,800 homes (plus 75 motel rooms) at sister-site Sunrise; and now Lake Hideaway with 3,700 homes. The simple mathematic equation totals 10,250 builder and real estate broker dreams of profitability.
This figure surpasses the original goal, so I guess on an imaginary grade scale commissioners deserve an A-plus. Poor Commissioner Diane Rowden, the sole dissenter in each case, brings a suggested FCAT score to a poor rating. You can imagine that local politicians would like to boot the lady out of office this November (if she sustains the nomination in the August primaries) and implant a more accommodating yes-man or woman.
The number of acres to be claimed for the three residential subdivisions is roughly 2,550 or a quarter acre of homeowner property.
None of these figures include other developments that had already been given a stamp of approval. Southern Hills may be the poster child of builders’ woes because demand doesn’t accommodate supply.
I foresee other homes to be given consideration in the next two years. There will be a likely rush of land use hearings in anticipation of voter approval of the Florida Hometown Democracy initiative in November 2010 to put the choice of development in the hands of local residents.
So, dear reader, be forewarned that a Master Plan, most likely dictated by Tallahassee politicians, will bring forth an array of new homes sites throughout Hernando County.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Luck has a price
*This commentary is a supplement to my commentary “Lucky, Lucky Me”
I appreciate the feedback of Christopher Miles to the letter I submitted regarding the passage of Amendment One and how I felt the inequities of property taxes reinforces the shortcomings of Save Our Homes.
I held the same opinion of many major newspapers, including the Tampa Tribune, with their viewpoints that the legislation was poorly written, although Hernando Today’s Editor, Chris Wessel, seemed to have been one of the giddiest of all supporters in his pre-election article.
My primary contention lays to rest with the often-experienced scenario that when I sold my previous home in 2005 and moved to a home that is valued much less, I had to assume a tax bill more than twice the previous amount. In all fairness, a roll back to allow myself and others the newly passed benefit of limiting the increase to the 3% would make us happier homeowners. That would put to test county commissioners throughout Florida to compensate taxpayers for the out of control spending.
Those neighbors I spoke of had initiated the conversation on my property taxes when I first moved to my new home. I didn’t mind them poking their noses in my affairs – they were the ones who were aghast at the difference in tax liabilities. If they had been responsible citizens they would have been justified to support Amendment One but they didn’t vote – their votes weren’t necessary.
Also, I meant no insult to senior citizens. They are the most civic minded of all residents; their needs are immediate and of considerable concern. I wish they could use their “windfall” of lower tax bills for something other than medical expenses, but it is unlikely. (I recently heard an advertisement offering a doublewide mobile home for $39,900 – I would gladly have any of them as neighbors. We would all benefit from the portability of the 3% cap.).
I sincerely hope the constitutionality of the passage of Amendment One proves to be an unwarranted legal matter. Other people’s distresses overshadow my opinion.
A final comment in response to Mr. Miles’ letter, citing his suggestion that I donate my savings to a charity. NAMI (National Alliance On Mental Illness) is my immediate choice. Although I definitely won’t see the annual $3,700 savings of a couple in South Tampa that Governor Crist so proudly brought to our attention during his campaigning for the Amendment and, since I can’t commit to that $240 amount because I doubt the my home is valued at whatever the “typical” value may be, I will keep you posted on the amount of my donation this November when my postal worker delivers the letter that shows a return address of Juanita B. Sikes, CFC, Tax Collector, Hernando County.
At that point, I will forward a copy of the receipt of my charitable contribution to Editor Chris Wessel.
I appreciate the feedback of Christopher Miles to the letter I submitted regarding the passage of Amendment One and how I felt the inequities of property taxes reinforces the shortcomings of Save Our Homes.
I held the same opinion of many major newspapers, including the Tampa Tribune, with their viewpoints that the legislation was poorly written, although Hernando Today’s Editor, Chris Wessel, seemed to have been one of the giddiest of all supporters in his pre-election article.
My primary contention lays to rest with the often-experienced scenario that when I sold my previous home in 2005 and moved to a home that is valued much less, I had to assume a tax bill more than twice the previous amount. In all fairness, a roll back to allow myself and others the newly passed benefit of limiting the increase to the 3% would make us happier homeowners. That would put to test county commissioners throughout Florida to compensate taxpayers for the out of control spending.
Those neighbors I spoke of had initiated the conversation on my property taxes when I first moved to my new home. I didn’t mind them poking their noses in my affairs – they were the ones who were aghast at the difference in tax liabilities. If they had been responsible citizens they would have been justified to support Amendment One but they didn’t vote – their votes weren’t necessary.
Also, I meant no insult to senior citizens. They are the most civic minded of all residents; their needs are immediate and of considerable concern. I wish they could use their “windfall” of lower tax bills for something other than medical expenses, but it is unlikely. (I recently heard an advertisement offering a doublewide mobile home for $39,900 – I would gladly have any of them as neighbors. We would all benefit from the portability of the 3% cap.).
I sincerely hope the constitutionality of the passage of Amendment One proves to be an unwarranted legal matter. Other people’s distresses overshadow my opinion.
A final comment in response to Mr. Miles’ letter, citing his suggestion that I donate my savings to a charity. NAMI (National Alliance On Mental Illness) is my immediate choice. Although I definitely won’t see the annual $3,700 savings of a couple in South Tampa that Governor Crist so proudly brought to our attention during his campaigning for the Amendment and, since I can’t commit to that $240 amount because I doubt the my home is valued at whatever the “typical” value may be, I will keep you posted on the amount of my donation this November when my postal worker delivers the letter that shows a return address of Juanita B. Sikes, CFC, Tax Collector, Hernando County.
At that point, I will forward a copy of the receipt of my charitable contribution to Editor Chris Wessel.
Lucky Lucky Me
Whew! Aren’t I the lucky one! I figure there’s a whopping $240 savings on my typical, average home value now that Amendment One is said and done. And yet, I’ll still have an end-of-the-year tax bill that’s three times that of my neighbors.
A recent call to the Property Appraiser’s office informed me that I had the misconception that I would have an additional savings because the value of my home plummeted in 2007; property taxes are billed a year in arrears. The kind County employee explained that the $25,000 increase in the Homestead Exemption would be closer to $15,000 because school taxes are not inclusive of the tax reduction and that the 3% increase of Save Our Homes still applies. So, that $240 is the total sum of possible savings. Governor Charlie Crist poorly represented the understanding of Amendment One, just as The Times had professed. And yet, I’m still a bit confused!
So, I’ll still owe the County twice the amount of my neighbors who have stayed in their homes in excess of ten years and three times that of those of twenty years. I’ll still be paying a far higher share of taxes than those same neighbors who will continue to benefit from the same level of County services. Hundreds of other homeowners across the state are right there beside me.
Those same neighbors whose tax bills are a third of my own can downsize to another location and save their homes much more easily than myself. If I should downsize, I would still pay three times as much in property and school taxes as they. I’ll cross my fingers when County Commissioners give approval of the 2009 budget and hope they don’t inch up the millage rate.
I can take the overall savings in may devalued property taxes of maybe $240 and apply it to my home insurance premium reduction that failed to materialize as promised by Governor Crist.
Some homeowners made out like bandits from the passage of Amendment 1, but there are just as many of us still behind the proverbial bars of financial woes with little chance of reprieve. We’ve been sentenced to a foreseeable future of inequity because the Florida Legislature will rest easy that the people have mandated what boils down to the status quo. It may be deemed unnecessary to pursue other tax reform.
Demographics of voter approval of the Constitutional Amendment would surely prove to be retirees. They are more astute to issues and have the wherewithal to get out and vote at their leisure. I applaud each and every one of them for their fortitude, but the outcome may have been different if a broader range of homeowners had participated in the Primary Election.
Keep in mind that a class action lawsuit that claims the Save Our Homes portability provision discriminates and violates the State Constitution. So, don't county those dollars saved because Amendment One may be one big goose that laid a fool’s golden egg.
I feel the only way for me to make out ahead in this economic mess is to sell my current home and relocate to a cozy trailer valued little more than $50,000; my property tax and insurance relief would finally give me financial relief of owning a home in Florida. I can’t expect it otherwise.
A recent call to the Property Appraiser’s office informed me that I had the misconception that I would have an additional savings because the value of my home plummeted in 2007; property taxes are billed a year in arrears. The kind County employee explained that the $25,000 increase in the Homestead Exemption would be closer to $15,000 because school taxes are not inclusive of the tax reduction and that the 3% increase of Save Our Homes still applies. So, that $240 is the total sum of possible savings. Governor Charlie Crist poorly represented the understanding of Amendment One, just as The Times had professed. And yet, I’m still a bit confused!
So, I’ll still owe the County twice the amount of my neighbors who have stayed in their homes in excess of ten years and three times that of those of twenty years. I’ll still be paying a far higher share of taxes than those same neighbors who will continue to benefit from the same level of County services. Hundreds of other homeowners across the state are right there beside me.
Those same neighbors whose tax bills are a third of my own can downsize to another location and save their homes much more easily than myself. If I should downsize, I would still pay three times as much in property and school taxes as they. I’ll cross my fingers when County Commissioners give approval of the 2009 budget and hope they don’t inch up the millage rate.
I can take the overall savings in may devalued property taxes of maybe $240 and apply it to my home insurance premium reduction that failed to materialize as promised by Governor Crist.
Some homeowners made out like bandits from the passage of Amendment 1, but there are just as many of us still behind the proverbial bars of financial woes with little chance of reprieve. We’ve been sentenced to a foreseeable future of inequity because the Florida Legislature will rest easy that the people have mandated what boils down to the status quo. It may be deemed unnecessary to pursue other tax reform.
Demographics of voter approval of the Constitutional Amendment would surely prove to be retirees. They are more astute to issues and have the wherewithal to get out and vote at their leisure. I applaud each and every one of them for their fortitude, but the outcome may have been different if a broader range of homeowners had participated in the Primary Election.
Keep in mind that a class action lawsuit that claims the Save Our Homes portability provision discriminates and violates the State Constitution. So, don't county those dollars saved because Amendment One may be one big goose that laid a fool’s golden egg.
I feel the only way for me to make out ahead in this economic mess is to sell my current home and relocate to a cozy trailer valued little more than $50,000; my property tax and insurance relief would finally give me financial relief of owning a home in Florida. I can’t expect it otherwise.
Affordable Workforce Housing
Silly, silly me! My understanding of “affordable workforce housing” demonstrates how naïve I can be. Unfortunately, I don’t have in my possession a Government Dictionary that spells out the true meaning of buzz wording.
I first became aware of the concept of affordable workforce housing a couple of years ago at one of the hearings of Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. I thought it a unique and progressive means of setting a path for a broader range of residents to share in what is typically the best investment one can make in their lives.
Another reality check put this design at a higher level of government: a knucklehead brainchild of the Tallahassee Legislative branch. It appears to be a pointless goal since there seems to be no dedication to bring the idea to fruition.
I have now come to the conclusion that the word “workforce” is generally meant for those with government employment, particularly police, firemen and schoolteachers. You might think government would show a sense of urgency but there is seldom a discussion of the matter. The one exception is County Commissioner Diane Rowden. Her words and thoughts on the subject gave me an awareness of the term.
Mrs. Rowden is quite the maverick of the five-member Board. Time and again she has openly expressed her dismay when hearing after hearing broadens the scope of residential subdivisions. Her No vote is expected but hers is the only dissenting vote.
The Commission’s hearing for giving the approval of Sierra Properties’ Hickory Hill project atop the county’s most esthetic piece of land demonstrated her misunderstanding of what every other community leader sees as Hernando County’s future in the grand scheme of development. Her shock and dismay over what became the final approval was blatantly displayed after the vote was said and done. Mine too. With little consolation, I held a hastily printed sign that read “What about affordable workforce housing?” Diane gave me acknowledgement, the appreciation was apparent.
Commissioner Rowden will have to give the idea up for the time being. She has little choice but to wait for the influence of local business interests give the signal that it’s okay to give it a green light. For it to be a financial boon to their interests, the green will have to be in the form of big bucks.
I first became aware of the concept of affordable workforce housing a couple of years ago at one of the hearings of Hernando County Board of County Commissioners. I thought it a unique and progressive means of setting a path for a broader range of residents to share in what is typically the best investment one can make in their lives.
Another reality check put this design at a higher level of government: a knucklehead brainchild of the Tallahassee Legislative branch. It appears to be a pointless goal since there seems to be no dedication to bring the idea to fruition.
I have now come to the conclusion that the word “workforce” is generally meant for those with government employment, particularly police, firemen and schoolteachers. You might think government would show a sense of urgency but there is seldom a discussion of the matter. The one exception is County Commissioner Diane Rowden. Her words and thoughts on the subject gave me an awareness of the term.
Mrs. Rowden is quite the maverick of the five-member Board. Time and again she has openly expressed her dismay when hearing after hearing broadens the scope of residential subdivisions. Her No vote is expected but hers is the only dissenting vote.
The Commission’s hearing for giving the approval of Sierra Properties’ Hickory Hill project atop the county’s most esthetic piece of land demonstrated her misunderstanding of what every other community leader sees as Hernando County’s future in the grand scheme of development. Her shock and dismay over what became the final approval was blatantly displayed after the vote was said and done. Mine too. With little consolation, I held a hastily printed sign that read “What about affordable workforce housing?” Diane gave me acknowledgement, the appreciation was apparent.
Commissioner Rowden will have to give the idea up for the time being. She has little choice but to wait for the influence of local business interests give the signal that it’s okay to give it a green light. For it to be a financial boon to their interests, the green will have to be in the form of big bucks.
Lake Hideaway
The headline was foreseeable with the County Commission’s 4-1 approval of the Lake Hideaway project. There’s room to grow the county population so let it be. Commissioner Diane Rowden’s sole dissenting vote was also predictable. When will she learn she can’t buck the system; it works the other way around.
The estimated 2,400 homes and 1,300 townhouses on 886 acres at The Hideaway will be more than twice the 1,750 homes on 280 prime acres atop Hickory Hill but not nearly as numerous as the 4,800 residential units, 75 motel rooms, on 1,385 acres in the adjacent Sunrise subdivision.
Lest we not we forget the 365,000 square feet of retail space at Sunrise and the planned 50,000 sq ft of retail of The Hideaway. The Hill has a special exemption, but where there are more people, there are more retail stores. And more employees at those stores. The average yearly income of a worker in the County is $28,000 – in the Tampa area the figure jumps to $38,000. The difference will widen as those minimum wage jobs continue to proliferate in Hernando.
How nice the Board of County Commissioners required developers of The Hideaway to provide a 20-acre park. But the park will be in the confines of the subdivision! Dagnabit, what’s the sense in that when that part of the County could sorely use a park accessible to all?
Commissioner Rowden might find some solace with the token $370,000 set aside for affordable housing, even though the “state formula” indicates it isn’t required in this development. Her quest for affordable “workforce” housing will have to wait for another day; it’s an elusive pipedream no matter where people live in Florida.
So, where will these homeowners work to afford the $150,000 to $350,00 homes? The population is allowed to grow but what about higher paying jobs? The lack of diversity of employment opportunities will increase the 34% of local workers to job locations beyond the county borders.
Somewhere along the way of development in Hernando County, someone needs to step up the process to entice a broader range of businesses. Local schools are expanding curriculums with technical classes but those graduates won’t find many of jobs here locally.
I recently gave up cable TV for dish service. There’s no high definition of government proceedings so I won’t miss the characters on their poor rendition of a reality show.
This keyboard is beginning to typer-ventilate, so let me be done and go about my way visiting what will eventually be left of Hernando County’s Nature Coast.
The estimated 2,400 homes and 1,300 townhouses on 886 acres at The Hideaway will be more than twice the 1,750 homes on 280 prime acres atop Hickory Hill but not nearly as numerous as the 4,800 residential units, 75 motel rooms, on 1,385 acres in the adjacent Sunrise subdivision.
Lest we not we forget the 365,000 square feet of retail space at Sunrise and the planned 50,000 sq ft of retail of The Hideaway. The Hill has a special exemption, but where there are more people, there are more retail stores. And more employees at those stores. The average yearly income of a worker in the County is $28,000 – in the Tampa area the figure jumps to $38,000. The difference will widen as those minimum wage jobs continue to proliferate in Hernando.
How nice the Board of County Commissioners required developers of The Hideaway to provide a 20-acre park. But the park will be in the confines of the subdivision! Dagnabit, what’s the sense in that when that part of the County could sorely use a park accessible to all?
Commissioner Rowden might find some solace with the token $370,000 set aside for affordable housing, even though the “state formula” indicates it isn’t required in this development. Her quest for affordable “workforce” housing will have to wait for another day; it’s an elusive pipedream no matter where people live in Florida.
So, where will these homeowners work to afford the $150,000 to $350,00 homes? The population is allowed to grow but what about higher paying jobs? The lack of diversity of employment opportunities will increase the 34% of local workers to job locations beyond the county borders.
Somewhere along the way of development in Hernando County, someone needs to step up the process to entice a broader range of businesses. Local schools are expanding curriculums with technical classes but those graduates won’t find many of jobs here locally.
I recently gave up cable TV for dish service. There’s no high definition of government proceedings so I won’t miss the characters on their poor rendition of a reality show.
This keyboard is beginning to typer-ventilate, so let me be done and go about my way visiting what will eventually be left of Hernando County’s Nature Coast.
All we want is a little pork in our barrel
To briefly explain the situations that have prompted some comments that I have frequently made on the community, it lays with some experiences since moving to Spring Hill in July 2005. I was introduced to a scam artist, local drug users and an unstable individual, also on drugs, who delivered to me my first and, hopefully, only encounter with a one-two punch to my face. I was a little stunned and my glasses were temporarily bent out of shape. It wasn't a good experience but maybe I justly deserved it?
The only lingering affects from these confrontations are of an educational nature. I view them as necessary experiences of acknowledge of the realities of a community that grew too fast with poor planning.
It appears that when Spring Hill sprung into existence in the early ‘90s, the youth were left with few diversions to keep them from experimenting adverse means of occupying their idle times; the lack of parental supervision perpetuated the problems. I imagine it all began with the use of the vegetative mind-altering weed and has brought about the use of heroin and cocaine-laced solids, liquids and crystals.
In my mid-50s, it continues to be a shocking reality how pervasive the use of these drugs is in the County. Perhaps it’s an occurrence in other counties and states but Hernando County is where I have been confronted with the true-to-life existence of the seriousness of the matter. I’m not suggesting there is much that can be done do to bring a halt to the situation. Just as Hernando County Sheriff Nugent has done the best he can to bring justice to drug users, it is by far an evil force of society that is impossible to constrain.
I know I keep harping about drugs, but I have discussed the situation with a couple of young adults who have moved from areas south of here, hoping to escape those ill effects of socialized abuse of prescription medications and told it is as bad here, if not worse, and easier to get! No wonder the county jail is in need of expansion but that doesn’t solve the problem. However long these users are incarcerated, they make use of their time by expanding their network of other users.
I would like to see our state and federal representative to give consideration of providing guidance in resolving the limited employment opportunities in the County. Until the citizenry is more affluent with cash to spare on other entertainment than drugs, there will be little hope to see a change of habits. There’s a definite limit of constructive after-hours activities available to young adults, particularly teens and twenty-somethings. A couple of bowling alleys and an over abundance of bars just don’t make it an attractive environment to placate the needs of the young and restless. No wonder drugs play a key role in their activities.
There is much to do in providing a balance of employment opportunities and it appears to be quite a challenge to offset what appears to have put the County in the trappings of being an alternative to living in the denser areas of Tampa.
Since moving to Hernando County, I have found it to bring me a calmer, peaceful place to call home. I intend to live here for the foreseeable future and would like to see a change in habits. I think providing alternative job opportunities other than retail and construction would give young adults an incentive to take steps to become productive members of the community. I don’t claim there aren’t already many who are taking steps to build a life of prosperity. But, can they accomplish their goals here?
I am well aware of the study done by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development that forecasts solid job growth in the health care, professional and technical fields over the next few years but, other than health care, is the County prepared to offer solid employment opportunities within its boundaries?
My hopes are that you implant pig ear tags for Hernando County, avoid using pig rings so they can root through the lands, and throw some of that juicy pork in the County’s barrel!
Perhaps the euphemism is cute, but you get the point.
There has to be a means to broaden the scope of prosperity given the fact that Tampa is so near and that I-75 and the Suncoast Highway ought to provide incentives to draw other businesses for a more diverse tax base. The road paths from metro-Tampa northward have put Hernando in the unbelievable position of being bypassed for growing the business environment.
If elected officials can’t, or won’t, partner with companies to take steps in investing in our community's future, all is lost to retail and construction revenues.
The only lingering affects from these confrontations are of an educational nature. I view them as necessary experiences of acknowledge of the realities of a community that grew too fast with poor planning.
It appears that when Spring Hill sprung into existence in the early ‘90s, the youth were left with few diversions to keep them from experimenting adverse means of occupying their idle times; the lack of parental supervision perpetuated the problems. I imagine it all began with the use of the vegetative mind-altering weed and has brought about the use of heroin and cocaine-laced solids, liquids and crystals.
In my mid-50s, it continues to be a shocking reality how pervasive the use of these drugs is in the County. Perhaps it’s an occurrence in other counties and states but Hernando County is where I have been confronted with the true-to-life existence of the seriousness of the matter. I’m not suggesting there is much that can be done do to bring a halt to the situation. Just as Hernando County Sheriff Nugent has done the best he can to bring justice to drug users, it is by far an evil force of society that is impossible to constrain.
I know I keep harping about drugs, but I have discussed the situation with a couple of young adults who have moved from areas south of here, hoping to escape those ill effects of socialized abuse of prescription medications and told it is as bad here, if not worse, and easier to get! No wonder the county jail is in need of expansion but that doesn’t solve the problem. However long these users are incarcerated, they make use of their time by expanding their network of other users.
I would like to see our state and federal representative to give consideration of providing guidance in resolving the limited employment opportunities in the County. Until the citizenry is more affluent with cash to spare on other entertainment than drugs, there will be little hope to see a change of habits. There’s a definite limit of constructive after-hours activities available to young adults, particularly teens and twenty-somethings. A couple of bowling alleys and an over abundance of bars just don’t make it an attractive environment to placate the needs of the young and restless. No wonder drugs play a key role in their activities.
There is much to do in providing a balance of employment opportunities and it appears to be quite a challenge to offset what appears to have put the County in the trappings of being an alternative to living in the denser areas of Tampa.
Since moving to Hernando County, I have found it to bring me a calmer, peaceful place to call home. I intend to live here for the foreseeable future and would like to see a change in habits. I think providing alternative job opportunities other than retail and construction would give young adults an incentive to take steps to become productive members of the community. I don’t claim there aren’t already many who are taking steps to build a life of prosperity. But, can they accomplish their goals here?
I am well aware of the study done by the Haas Center for Business Research and Economic Development that forecasts solid job growth in the health care, professional and technical fields over the next few years but, other than health care, is the County prepared to offer solid employment opportunities within its boundaries?
My hopes are that you implant pig ear tags for Hernando County, avoid using pig rings so they can root through the lands, and throw some of that juicy pork in the County’s barrel!
Perhaps the euphemism is cute, but you get the point.
There has to be a means to broaden the scope of prosperity given the fact that Tampa is so near and that I-75 and the Suncoast Highway ought to provide incentives to draw other businesses for a more diverse tax base. The road paths from metro-Tampa northward have put Hernando in the unbelievable position of being bypassed for growing the business environment.
If elected officials can’t, or won’t, partner with companies to take steps in investing in our community's future, all is lost to retail and construction revenues.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Life in Spring Hill
I found Nia Diebel’s recent Letter To The Editor in Hernando Today (Is There Life In Spring Hill? Feb. 1) interesting, as I did the subsequent opinions of other readers. It certainly seemed to have hit a few nerves, but there also seemed to be no specifics on what alternative means of entertainment and activities might fill the void that some feel
The letters brought to mind the challenge brought to the public by then-County Board of County Commissioner Chairman Jeff Stabins during the budget hearings last fall. At times, people tend to whine and moan about this or that topic but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, creativity for alternative options is shy in being offered.
I don’t criticize the words of Ms. Diebel but she tended to bring up how senior citizens are more a center of attention than other age group. Perhaps their evenings of bingo, movies and social gatherings at community centers are sufficient for their needs. Some of my elderly friends also enjoy leisurely walks along safe, well-lit streets. It doesn’t end there.
Many find joy in the simple activities of Wii electronic games, particularly bowling, that are projected on their TV screens. Even though their legs may not accommodate the rigors of being at an actual bowling alley, they can still swing their arms, which enhances coordination. Those who find it difficult to stand can participate in a sitting position. It’s just plain, good fun. It’s a social event of sorts where they can interact with friends and neighbors, and laugh and joke and tell others how to bowl when they have their own share of gutter balls. Some are pleased just to have a score that matches their age!
As another baby boomer, I can relate to Ms. Diebel’s feelings. Personally, I’m more interested in daytime ventures, primarily outdoors. There are plenty of choices for State and County parks in Hernando County for a bit of hiking but there are limitations of variety. If I want to enjoy water activities, I find satisfaction in heading north to the Ocala National Forest where the trails are diverse in scenery, and lakes and springs are abundant. Further north, Gainesville’s Kanapuha Gardens provides a display of seasonal flora and other vegetation. An occasional trip to Orange County gives me an opportunity to visit Wekiva Springs State Park; it’s one my favorite spots.
Setting aside the wants and needs of middle-age adults and senior citizens, of more concern are teenagers and young adults. Over-the-hill, over-30 adults should put aside those penny-ante gripes and put interest in the needs of the next generations. Their formative years may be lacking of options for activities outside their homes and schools.
Hangin’ out at the mall has always been a simple diversion from daily routines but kids don’t have that opportunity here. In a strip mall, it’s called loitering. And safety is a major concern.
Not all school children participate in extra curricular, after school activities. I fear some in high school may turn to private, peer-influenced means of entertainment, not necessarily acceptable social behaviors. Not all high school graduates have the academic capabilities, or means, to seek higher education. Each of these age groups deserves more consideration than the rest of us grown ups. Their input would identify what, if any, lack of entertainment exists in Hernando County, not just Spring Hill.
A recent discussion with a local higher education professional suggested there are already sufficient activities available for youth in Hernando County; bowling alleys, movie theatres, Buccaneer Park and the Hernando Performing Arts were specifically mentioned. I’m uncomfortable accepting what may be an assumption, pending the thoughts of the age groups in question.
What do they feel is lacking in activities? What satisfaction level do they have for the quality of living in the County? Do they now, and in the foreseeable future, feel they must seek distant destinations to occupy their time for activities? As they seek a means of entering the workforce, do they feel there are sufficient job opportunities to fulfill their hopes and dreams and do they feel there are ways and means to be content with entertainment in their leisure time?
I feel that it would be a pity if Hernando County were to become reliant on being a community of retirees. A balance of demographics would help sustain a broad range of growth in the community.
Of course, there is life in Spring Hill but life in the fast lane doesn’t apply here. Are the lives of the young and restless content with what’s available? Do they feel there’s enough happening to continue their lives here and bring forth new life? You’ll have to ask them, for only they can give answers to the questions.
In the meantime, the Out and About section of Hernando Today offers a broad range of local events. Search and ye shall find – if you are so inclined.
The letters brought to mind the challenge brought to the public by then-County Board of County Commissioner Chairman Jeff Stabins during the budget hearings last fall. At times, people tend to whine and moan about this or that topic but when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, creativity for alternative options is shy in being offered.
I don’t criticize the words of Ms. Diebel but she tended to bring up how senior citizens are more a center of attention than other age group. Perhaps their evenings of bingo, movies and social gatherings at community centers are sufficient for their needs. Some of my elderly friends also enjoy leisurely walks along safe, well-lit streets. It doesn’t end there.
Many find joy in the simple activities of Wii electronic games, particularly bowling, that are projected on their TV screens. Even though their legs may not accommodate the rigors of being at an actual bowling alley, they can still swing their arms, which enhances coordination. Those who find it difficult to stand can participate in a sitting position. It’s just plain, good fun. It’s a social event of sorts where they can interact with friends and neighbors, and laugh and joke and tell others how to bowl when they have their own share of gutter balls. Some are pleased just to have a score that matches their age!
As another baby boomer, I can relate to Ms. Diebel’s feelings. Personally, I’m more interested in daytime ventures, primarily outdoors. There are plenty of choices for State and County parks in Hernando County for a bit of hiking but there are limitations of variety. If I want to enjoy water activities, I find satisfaction in heading north to the Ocala National Forest where the trails are diverse in scenery, and lakes and springs are abundant. Further north, Gainesville’s Kanapuha Gardens provides a display of seasonal flora and other vegetation. An occasional trip to Orange County gives me an opportunity to visit Wekiva Springs State Park; it’s one my favorite spots.
Setting aside the wants and needs of middle-age adults and senior citizens, of more concern are teenagers and young adults. Over-the-hill, over-30 adults should put aside those penny-ante gripes and put interest in the needs of the next generations. Their formative years may be lacking of options for activities outside their homes and schools.
Hangin’ out at the mall has always been a simple diversion from daily routines but kids don’t have that opportunity here. In a strip mall, it’s called loitering. And safety is a major concern.
Not all school children participate in extra curricular, after school activities. I fear some in high school may turn to private, peer-influenced means of entertainment, not necessarily acceptable social behaviors. Not all high school graduates have the academic capabilities, or means, to seek higher education. Each of these age groups deserves more consideration than the rest of us grown ups. Their input would identify what, if any, lack of entertainment exists in Hernando County, not just Spring Hill.
A recent discussion with a local higher education professional suggested there are already sufficient activities available for youth in Hernando County; bowling alleys, movie theatres, Buccaneer Park and the Hernando Performing Arts were specifically mentioned. I’m uncomfortable accepting what may be an assumption, pending the thoughts of the age groups in question.
What do they feel is lacking in activities? What satisfaction level do they have for the quality of living in the County? Do they now, and in the foreseeable future, feel they must seek distant destinations to occupy their time for activities? As they seek a means of entering the workforce, do they feel there are sufficient job opportunities to fulfill their hopes and dreams and do they feel there are ways and means to be content with entertainment in their leisure time?
I feel that it would be a pity if Hernando County were to become reliant on being a community of retirees. A balance of demographics would help sustain a broad range of growth in the community.
Of course, there is life in Spring Hill but life in the fast lane doesn’t apply here. Are the lives of the young and restless content with what’s available? Do they feel there’s enough happening to continue their lives here and bring forth new life? You’ll have to ask them, for only they can give answers to the questions.
In the meantime, the Out and About section of Hernando Today offers a broad range of local events. Search and ye shall find – if you are so inclined.
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