Parents of shark video culprits should not make county’s policy decisions

I, like so many other people, found the photos and videos submitted by these supposed “sportsmen” to be, at the very least, horrifying. The total disregard they have for birds and fish along with their environment makes one think about the environment they were raised in.

However, with what has been taking place in the state of Florida over the past few decades, maybe it’s not so surprising. After all, they just see what’s been allowed by our state and county officials.

We have developers all over the state, and especially in Manatee and Sarasota counties, trying to pave over everything natural. I think the mentality is to collect all the dollars possible, and once the state is completely ruined, they can all move elsewhere and do it again, leaving those of us who have called this state and county “Home” homeless thanks to the mindless destruction caused by the greedy.

I understand names have been published and some of these young men are related to decision-makers of Manatee County. I urge all of us to take a closer look at what projects have been approved by these officials and what negative impacts they may have or will be taking place. Definitely these parties should no longer be able to have any input in the decision-making process of what is good for our state and county. They’ve proven to be incapable of being good stewards in their own households, let alone those of the residents of this county.

This story was originally published August 3, 2017 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Parents of shark video culprits should not make county’s policy decisions."