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Readers comment on business news

 
Published Oct. 30, 2015

Jobless fraud | Oct. 7

DEO money grab

I see Jesse Panuccio is at it again. Looking for more money to grow his empire in the Department of Economic Opportunity. Never mind that Florida pays one of the lowest monetary benefits for the shortest period of time and the process on "Connect" is next to impossible to complete. To have had "130,000" fraudulent claims in less than two years boggles the mind. To qualify, you must complete the application online, take a test of your skills and, if approved, provide a listing of five job applications each week. In addition, you must report for employment counseling. All of this for a maximum of $550 a month. I would think "organized criminal enterprises" could find a less visible enterprise, as well as a more lucrative one.

Charles Kling, Tampa

Road less traveled | Oct. 5

Travel agencies remain relevant

After reading the story regarding travel agencies, I feel I must respond to it. As much as I respect Sylvia Reina, she is obviously living in the past. The influx of travel sites such as Expedia, Travelocity and others has brought us more educated clients than ever before. The Web is a great place to do research and get an idea of what options are out there. Our job is to find the perfect fit for you out of the forest of information the Web throws at you. The more costly a trip, the more clients turn to travel advisers. No one puts their credit card number out on the Web without knowing who is using it. Sylvia may have been an "order taker," but the current breed of travel advisers guides travelers to help them make the best decisions for their lifestyles and budgets.

Do I see travel "agents" gone? Yes. But travel "advisers" are the lifeblood of the industry. We are well educated, devoted, well traveled and highly respected. I am very proud of our profession. I know of two travel agencies so busy they are looking for more advisers.

Tanya Highnote, Tampa