Letters to the Editor 09/21/23
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Unsightly Trash Barrels Line City Streets
I have been a Resident of Coral Ridge for 45 years. I attended the Aug. 15 City Commission Meeting and I spoke to the Commission about the Orange Trash Barrels that are on SE 51st Court. I have counted 13 Orange trash barrels on the right of way in front of residents homes. They are left out from week to week, month to month, Commissioner Ron Livsey has brought this issue up for over 2 years without success.
At the August 15th meeting I requested an Ordinance to remove the trash cans from the right of ways within the City limits after the trash is picked up. I continued to state to the Commissioners that we never had this problem in Coral Ridge. Our development was always in pristine condition. This seem to happen when Florida Express Environmental took over our trash pickup.
They are large covered trash cans. I am in my 70’s and I take my barrel in right after they pick up the trash on SE 52nd Ave. all my neighbors of 30 to 40 years as residents, do the same because we all have high standards and pride in our homes.
Our City Attorney, Mr. Fred Landt, said he would draw up an sample Ordinance and present it to the Commissioners on the Sept. 5 meeting.
The Ordinance was voted down, for a number of reasons which made no sense to me. Commissioner Livsey voted yes for the Ordinance and the other Commissioners and Mayor voted no.
I want to thank Mr. Landt for taking the time to draw up the Ordinance.
My hope is that we do not become a run down residential community with 2 lb rats running around the trash cans and neighborhood like New York City and other Cities.
Concerned Citizen of Coral Ridge Residential Housing Development of the City of Belleview
PATRICIA LIVSEY
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Entertainment For Those With Poor Judgment
Well, Internet Cafes are web based gambling but are they legal. Recent State of Florida lists some web based gambling but not what takes place in Internet Cafes.
These businesses found a pot of gold? But where has their income been coming from? The customers and sadly these players are having a growing addiction. So where do their loses fit in their monthly budget? Do they have a monthly budget?
So we have illegal gambling businesses being fed by customers that cannot afford it. As is true of all gambling unless it’s budgeted entertainment knowing it’s a personal expense.
And leaving your kids in your car so you can play indicates intelligence with regard to the topic.
Belleview doesn’t need entertainment for those with poor judgment.
William Boehm
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Only Jesus Can Save Us
Have you ever wondered what times were like 2,000 years ago? We are approaching the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, resurrection from the dead, and ascension into heaven. Are times today better, worse, or about the same as they were then? That depends on a lot of different factors, correlations, and personal circumstances.
Jesus drew a following that intrigued political and religious authorities of His day. He became somewhat famous as He walked from border to border across the tiny nation of Israel. His ministry lasted only three years and He died at the age of 33. Nevertheless, we see evidence of His continuing power on individuals and in the masses today, 2,000 years later. No other individual has had even a fraction of that kind of power.
Jesus’ name and those who are called by His name, i.e. Christians have attracted a broad spectrum of attention from the very worst characterizations to ultimately the highest height of views. In America in 2023 we have seen revivals spring to life across university campuses like Asbury University, Lee University, Samford University, and most recently Auburn University. Each one began when a few people felt God calling them to pray. As others joined them the word spread and crowds of those praying exploded into thousands upon thousands.
After His resurrection, Jesus walked on earth with His disciples for 40 days. Before He ascended to heaven He told them to wait in Jerusalem for His promise to them. Ten days later on the Jewish holiday of Pentecost, 120 followers were praying in a room in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit filled every believer to the extent that all those in the city heard praises from the gathering of followers as well as a powerful message delivered in languages of all who had come to the feast.
Around 800 years earlier, Joel prophesied that God would “pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions….” The disciples believed God was fulfilling this prophecy, especially after 3,000 souls were baptized that day! The church, i.e. the body of believers instantaneously grew from around 120 to 3,000 people! That’s a lot of people, but it’s not all mankind.
While the world has been distracted by national and international politics as well as COVID, revivals have spontaneously bloomed in Christian communities around the globe. This movement is gaining momentum toward reaching out to “all mankind,” though it hasn’t broken into worldwide news cycles. This may be the biggest conundrum the human race has ever faced.
While the world continues to warn earth’s residents of climate change, famines, pestilence, and nuclear wars, Jesus’ body on earth, i.e. the church is proclaiming Jesus’ imminent return to deliver us from … climate change, famines, pestilence, nuclear wars, and other dangers and catastrophes the world has never imagined. The world says we have to save ourselves. The church says only Jesus can save us.
As we approach the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ conquering sin and death, we ought to pray with other believers in small groups as well as groups of thousands for Jesus’ return. The dangers we face have all been created by the human race. Only Jesus can save us.
Daniel L. Gardner is a columnist who lives in Starkville, MS. You may contact him at PJandMe2@gmail.com.