Opposes St. Cloud Lakefront Plan
Dear Editor:
The city of St. Cloud seems determined to promote growth, contrary to its longtime slogan of "Small Town Life". The population has increased 172 percent over the past 20 years, which includes over 23,000 new residents during the last 10 years.
This out-of-control growth is being fueled by out-of-city influences, linking the city to many Metro Orlando development plans. For many years, St. Cloud resisted the temptation to become a "tourist destination", leaving that transient lifestyle to its neighboring cities. This allowed its residents to enjoy a small town life, while still supporting the employment needs of the tourism corridor.
The city now supports growth and development, and has thrown its “tourism hat" into the ring with a proposed seaplane base on the Lakefront, including space designated for retail. This beautiful lakefront is already a central gathering place for residents and visitors for hometown events, parades, and activities. It is surrounded by residential housing, some dating back to the Civil War.
There's a phrase, "follow the money," attributed to the Watergate whistle-blower from the 1970's. It has since been used, even very recently, on the corporate influence that puts financial gain over the will and well-being of the people. Often, these deals are arranged behind closed doors, then presented as beneficial to the public.
The plan for Saint Cloud Lakefront touts increased tourism, seaplane manufacturing businesses, and a destination for people from all over the world. It was hatched by a corporation that builds airports and seaports, rents seaplanes, trains pilots, and develops the surrounding area for retailers, which often includes hotel construction. It has the support of other development companies and real estate companies, who seem to have a firm grasp on the continued growth of St. Cloud.
The city of Tavares is rebuilding its seaplane docks after Hurricane Irma destroyed them, and that city also has to budget for its annual upkeep, including fire and rescue services. We already experience a high volume of air traffic from Orlando International Airport. This proposal would add lower altitude seaplanes to the mix, buzzing over our homes, and competing with boat owners for lake use.
I encourage residents of St. Cloud to let your voice be heard in opposition to this new lakefront plan, which does not benefit the majority of city homeowners, or enhance it's natural beauty and habitats. Let's all re-assess what we envision "Small Town Life" to be, or we may be looking elsewhere for it.
Kevin Bailey
St. Cloud
Critical Medicaid Funding
Dear Editor:
I was fortunate enough to have access to quality care when I had cancer, but too many others aren’t afforded the same opportunities. My mother who succumbed to cancer in 1995 was not as fortunate and did not have to ability to meet the financial burdens battling this dreaded illness can bring.
I know personally the many barriers Puerto Ricans face just like my mother. Such funding is a lifesaver for individuals on the island and an important step in addressing long-term funding issues with the Medicaid program in the territories that threaten access to health coverage and funding for hospital systems.
This is why access to health care is so important to me and I’m especially grateful for Rep. Darren Soto leadership recent leadership as a sponsor on a bill that would extend sufficient Medicaid funding in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories that expired Sept. 30.
Insurance coverage through Medicaid can be the difference between life and death for people. In fact, people without insurance are more likely than those with health insurance to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage when it costs more to treat and they’re less likely to survive.
It's time we extend and ensure sustainable and equitable funding for this lifesaving program, particularly in my home island. It’s critical to reducing health and cancer disparities, improving cancer outcomes and saving more lives. It’s hope Congress follows suit.
Butch Rivera
Kissimmee
