Posted on August 29 at 5:55 p.m.

One more thing, if someone bought in GGE and signed a contract, they are capable enough of looking around and seeing that on any given street people can have farm animals, keep big trucks and other items related to home based businesses. If they fail to understand what is and isn't "around the corner" it is no one's fault but theirs. It isn't a gated community loaded with expensive amenities and rising costs.
I have neighbors who keep goats, chickens and other critters. They would not be able to do this in the typical suburban setting. I lived in the suburban sprawl. GGE provides relief from this intrusive environment.

Moving to an area and then expecting it to change for convenience is not a feasible plan.

On Incumbent Collier commissioner Coletta moves on to general election by margin of nearly 2 to 1

Posted on August 29 at 5:41 p.m.

I understand the history of Golden Gate Estates. I researched this area thoroughly before we decided to buy here. If people don't want to live in this area, there are alternatives, especially now.

The facts are that it exists as a semi-rural area deemed to have low density. The Department of Community Affairs has a lot of oversight over development or changes in the master plan. The non-conforming lots are problematic, but the master plan is to prevail.

I am a retired scientist who worked for a governmental agency. I was fortunate to retire early and I now work for myself. I am quite aware of the regulations which govern zoning, building, infrastructure because I was very involved in another community. Collier County has the same processes in place. I also understand cost analysis which has to be done to effect significant change.

One factor driving commercial/retail zoning is the value change and increase in tax revenue this change can make. Even if the project fails and stands empty, the value increases. Undeveloped land brings in little to the coffers. I am happy that the State via DCA can help assure no radical change is made. So the county can be held in check. However, if residents clamor for more stores, there is pressure on the county to move these kind of projects forward.

I don't find living in GGE "misery" at all. I do think it would have been far better if the Army Corps of Engineers hadn't made the canals which drained the swamp, but we cannot rewind history, can we? If we can, there are a few other key things I would redo! LOL. The Army Corps' actions are not always best for the big picture. They often create more problems than they solve (NOLA is a great example).

On Incumbent Collier commissioner Coletta moves on to general election by margin of nearly 2 to 1

Posted on August 29 at 5:18 p.m.

I don't feel bad for those who are guilty, and we can't try them here! But the children are innocent and hopefully will be protected.

On NBC-2's Jessica Stilwell takes leave due to husband's legal woes

Posted on August 29 at 5:14 p.m.

Make that plain bad guys...

On Man jailed after alleged attack on mother, daughter in road rage incident

Posted on August 29 at 5:13 p.m.

Actually letting people know that there ARE, in fact, individuals who have a concealed weapon's permit and do carry may well be a deterrent to those who think they can approach someone as this fellow reportedly did attack them. It works.

No one knows who I am. But this info in a public forum does put low lifes/crooks or just plan bad guys on notice. Knowing that women, like my wife, is prepared to act should she have no other choice to protect her life...well, this petite sweet lady can hit like a marksman and is quite prepared.

Macho? LOL, yeah, right. No....practical and prepared.

On Man jailed after alleged attack on mother, daughter in road rage incident

Posted on August 29 at 5:02 p.m.

What a tragedy for the children.
Hope she will find a way to salvage her career and protect those kids. With her father under a veil of suspicion as well, she can't even take refuge with her parents. Perhaps there are others who can provide the support and stability the young children will need.

On NBC-2's Jessica Stilwell takes leave due to husband's legal woes

Posted on August 29 at 12:50 p.m.

Kneejerk...she is a governor not local mayor. Did you read the article?

My feeling is that no matter who McCain picked that the DNC camp would find something wrong and rail on about it.

As I say, I think this choice is interesting. I am still voting for McCain as I feel he is the best person for the job, period. The VEEP choice didn't matter too much to me. Obama's choice did matter. If I had entertained ANY chance of voting for him, the VEEP choice completely turned me off. Old line DNC does not compute with the philosophy of change espoused by his camp. Bait and switch seems more the case now.

My vote stays. I look forward to getting ALL of this over. The 18 months of political rhetoric and histrionics has been an unwanted cacophony of baloney.

On McCain selects Alaska's governor as running mate

Posted on August 29 at 12:39 p.m.

#22 mothernature: we agree on more than one thing. I was also hoping he would pick Charlie. I didn't vote for Charlie, but know many who did and feel the same way we both do.

see you at the next storm party blog? ;-D

On McCain selects Alaska's governor as running mate

Posted on August 29 at 11:24 a.m.

Well, I am still voting for McCain. The VEEP didn't matter too much, but I wonder if she can get the youth/feminist vote away from the Democrats.

I don't think he had a lot of great choices. I like Joe Lieberman, but didn't think that he was a realistic choice. Romney had the name recognition and great persona, but ...well, this should indeed be an interesting campaign. I do like the NRA membership. I would be happy to embrace a woman for President or any person of any race, sex, or ethnicity. It is about principles to me. McCain is the best fit, but Obama has the rock star qualities and the ad campaign which seems to have won all the media. Overcoming a PR campaign that is set up like a rock star tour may be tough since style and glamor seem to prevail over values and substance in our current culture.

On McCain selects Alaska's governor as running mate

Posted on August 29 at 11:15 a.m.

This attack is of great concern. It appears it could happen to anyone. A way to prevent someone from reaching in a car is to keep you windows up or up enough to keep hands out. If you have a vehicle without A/C, running your fan with vents open and windows just slightly down works fairly well. Keep you doors locked at all times as well. Consider using your horn, backing up or knocking over...not running over an attacker. If they are using deadly force and you do not have the means to answer in kind, DO quickly consider running them over if you have no other choice. If you drive alone and have a cell phone have a hands free device and voice calling if possible. If you have passengers have them call 911 on any cell phone in the car.

Some older vehicles may not have electric windows also. I once drove an older vehicle with crank windows While these are great if you expect to be submerged, they are not responsive when you are in a panic. That is why I suggested keeping the windows open only enough to circulate air, but not enough for a hand to fit through.

My wife once had someone follow her after he didn't like the stop she made for a red light. She decided it would be a nice time to visit one of the fire stations when she saw the bays full...the person following her stopped following as she pointedly raised her cell phone to her ear.

If the bays had been empty she planned on going to a busy plaza while using her voice activated calling to 911 to see if he would leave her alone...but IF he approached out of his vehicle or acted in a way she had imminent fear for her life; she was prepared to protect herself as a last resort. You see, she carries just like me and has even better target scores.

There are some real whackos out there. Be careful.

On Man jailed after alleged attack on mother, daughter in road rage incident