AND ALSO: Robert Starkweather, Bradford born and raised whose
mother still lives here, writes, “Having lived in Florida for the
past 28 years, I’d like to share my views on Florida living.”
“There is no state income tax and there is homestead exemption.
However, there are significant problems with finding affordable
housing for average middle-class families. Gov. Jeb Bush is
currently addressing the problem statewide.
“In Tampa, apartments in a seedy, crime-ridden area (near the
university) rent for anywhere from $600 to $800 per month for an
typical family of four.
“The cost of electricity due to the need for air conditioning
remains a challenge for many. Much of the land available is being
used to build highrise luxury condos similar to Trump Towers which
will be beyond the reach of the middle class.
“Secretaries as a rule do not make $55,000 per year and pizza
delivery drivers usually use their own vehicles and may get
compensated for gas and mileage so perhaps they do get somewhere
near $12 per hour.
“Entertainment at theme parks run easily in approximately $100
to $150 admission for the family of four which, given the salaries,
makes it almost impossible to attend if you also want to buy
groceries. Clothing and grocery costs are comparable to other areas
of the country.
“So although we do not face the challenges of winter, we do pay
the price for the sunshine and warmth. The ‘best’ things in life
are not always free.”
He adds a post script, “We also have sinkholes to contend
with.”
We also heard from Patrick Johnston: “You see what that Southern
sun will do to your brain, folks! What a sheltered life this person
must have had to write such mumbo-jumbo about my hometown while
being stuck in Florida.”
“I may not be in Bradford now and have not been in quite some
time but let me assure you this – that’s my HOME and always will
be.
“Who cares if Pizza Hut pays 12 bucks an hour for a part-time
pizza runner – unless you move to Florida to make a career
delivering pizza. Besides you need some real pizza or wings –
Bradford’s got ’em better! So stay in Florida with your smog from
your un-inspected car and good luck with your delivery career.”
TODAY’S QUOTE: “I should confess that I always feel a little
sorry for people who didn’t work for newspapers,” said journalist
Mary McGrory, 2004.
