To the Editor: Please consider the following open letter I recently sent to all members of the bridge authority.

Dear Sirs,

My wife and I recently made Boca Grande our permanent residence. As such, we will be using the bridge almost daily. Therefore, we have taken a more active role in following the progress of the new bridge plans.

We would prefer that the toll structure of the bridge remain as it is and pay our fair share of the cost for the bridge construction through a millage increase. I understand it would be in the range of 1 mill. I am sure you folks are receiving many suggestions and they most certainly span many alternatives. The reasons for our decision are highlighted below:  

1)  The use of a millage increase is deductible on our Federal 1040 taxes. This indirectly forces the federal government to partially fund the bridge re-construction. This is one of the few ways that islanders can ever expect a federal subsidy for our bridge.
2)  The bridge is used daily by many employees and workers on the island. These are the folks that can afford a bridge toll increase the least.
3)  We feel that an increase in the toll will result in decreased usage of the bridge which is the start of a downward spiral for bridge revenues.
4)  It will be embarrassing to invite off-island guests to our home when they have to pay an excessive toll just to keep island real estate taxes in check.

Thank you for considering our suggestions in your future decisions.
            Gerry Getman
            Boca Grande

Nate Griffin hit some of the hardest forehands of his life and Joe Veneziaʼs volleys pierced their targets as the Sarasota pair clobbered their Naples counterpart 6-2 in the third set Wednesday evening, to advance through the first round of the Professional Tennis Exhibition Series at the Boca Grande Club.

The Camera Club held their annual exhibit at the Boca Grande Art Alliance on January 28 and 29. A reception was held the Friday evening prior to the show, and many of the photographers were present. Pat Bossey spoke with photographer Marilyn Geil (at left), and photogs Rachel Damioli and Len Tatko were on hand with some of their work.

The chairman of the 2012 Strawberry Festival are gathering items for the silent auction that will be held at the event on Saturday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year there will be no live auction, but the silent auction will feature some breathtaking items.