Close beaches when hazards swell

  

Here we go again. I realize that our beautiful ocean is the big attraction in promoting our local communities. I also realize that it belongs to the public (mostly) and the upkeep and the staffing of said beaches are paid for by public funds. Those same funds support the placing of lifeguard stands, lifeguard equipment, life-saving equipment and the young men and women who serve as those underpaid heroes. Why, oh why, then, can there not be signs posted that not only warn of jellyfish, wave action and dangerous riptides, but of possible death if those warnings are ignored? They use standard flags, but why not spell it out as well?

(READ: Volusia lifeguard called a 'hero')

It is hot and getting hotter. The ocean is refreshing. I understand the phenomenon of cooling off — I am from Miami Beach — but I do not understand why beaches cannot be closed more often to swimming (not wading and sitting in the shallows) when such hazardous conditions as riptides occur. Right now it happens too rarely.

I have written about this before, and yet there are still young people risking their lives for stupid, yes, stupid people who think they are above heeding warnings. If the need to exercise by swimming is so necessary, find a pool! Do we really want Volusia County and Flagler County to be known as “The Shark Bite Capital” and “The Drowning Capital” of the United States?

Janice Barson-Ryone, Palm Coast

Explore short-term

I’ve been following with interest the story regarding short-term rentals. I have no financial interest, but have experiential history, and support the ability of property owners to rent short term. For 23 years I rented residential property (condominiums) in New Smyrna Beach. I, or management on my behalf, collected and remitted all required sales and occupancy taxes. I never once experienced a problem with a short-term renter. Some of them I met in person, others I spoke with on the phone, or via email. They were respectful of the properties.

On the flip side of the coin, I’ve had serious problems with long-term tenants. Thumbs up to countless vacationers who stayed as few as five days, but were well regarded by neighbors and me, their landlord.

While I no longer own rental properties, I have, as a tenant, used Airbnb in numerous cities, from Mount Dora to Seattle, Washington. The host landlords are great! Additionally, each host must write a review of the tenant upon departure. That’s a great incentive for the lessee to be on best behavior.

Would the naysayers be willing to conduct a survey, or are a few bad-apple tenants spoiling the whole bunch? In my opinion, short-term vacation renters are a great bunch of folks! Such has not been my experience with those staying for longer periods of time.

Let’s support free enterprise in our Volusia County.

Julie J. Ruchotzke, New Smyrna Beach