Build bridges, not causeways

Section of Sanibel Causeway wiped out by Hurricane Ian | Sept. 30

Viewing the aerial photos of the damage to the Sanibel Causeway makes one thing blatantly obvious. Well-built bridges can survive Category 4 hurricane force winds and huge storm surges, while causeways just wash away. I understand that it is cheaper to put in fill dirt and pave over it but there may be hidden expenses. Causeways impede natural sheet water flow resulting in stagnant inlets, which promote algae growth and the resultant death of seagrasses causing areas void of sea life. This is worsened by the occasional dumping of nutrient-rich waters from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River, ultimately flowing into San Carlos Bay and then the Gulf of Mexico. I propose that the causeway be rebuilt with mostly bridges. The investment may cost a lot more but will pay dividends by preventing damage from future hurricanes, preserving access to Sanibel and greatly improving and restoring the natural environment.

K.C. Nayfield, Crystal River

For and against aid

Biden, DeSantis and the politics of hurricanes | Column, Oct. 1

I’m surprised there was no mention by Wall Street Journal columnist Tevi Troy reminding us that Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Marco Rubio both voted against aid for victims of Superstorm Sandy. I don’t doubt that this will be front and center before election day.

Tom Talboom, Indian Rocks Beach

An insurance mess

Politics come roaring back | Oct. 5

Gov. Ron DeSantis did a good job during the entire Hurricane Ian event. I do believe former Govs. Rick Scott or Charlie Crist would have done equally as well. That said, I wonder what Floridians will think when they have to deal with our homeowners’ insurance mess once the costs are evaluated? What will the people think when they get their next notice, be it a large renewal increase or a cancellation from their insurance company? For almost four years, our governor ignored pleas from all corners regarding Florida’s unstable insurances market. He may look good now, but I wonder how DeSantis’ lack of prior concern in dealing with homeowners’ insurance will be remembered come the election?

Brian Walkowiak, St. Petersburg

The key issues

Politics come roaring back | Oct. 5

So when Gov. Ron Desantis and the Republicans were worrying about really serious issues like critical race theory and LGBTQ “indoctrination,” perhaps they should instead have wasted time on something silly like property insurance.

Carlos J. DeCisneros, Tampa