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Highlands Today

Airboats And Respect

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Darrel Johnston

Published: January 3, 2008

Sitting here on this New Year's Eve morning it's early for me at 7 a.m., usually I have a cup of coffee and read the newspaper from my sitting area overlooking beautiful Lake Istokpoga and watching the birds and wildlife as the beautiful sunrise illuminates the woods.

We who live on this lake do so because we choose to and are willing to deal with the bugs and the low water, high taxes and all the downsides that no one has control over. Last night I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. with the noise of airboats thumping and humming past the house until late into the night and waking me at 6:15 a.m. this morning. Having friends with airboats and enjoyed them myself years ago, I understand the fun and excitement they are to a lot of people, and feel that this being a big lake can be enjoyed by all the people if we all use it responsibly. However as in most cases their are a few idiots who feel that they have a right to do whatever they want, when they want and everyone else has to just deal with it.

These are the same people who anger citizens into demanding that laws be enforced or enacted to protect the rights of us all. There has been much controversy over the airboat situation on this lake, and it seemed that most of the violators of common sense have quit running their air boats all night long. It would seem that if you wish to run at night go out to the areas that have no houses and people trying to sleep and leave the populated areas alone.

Also, early mornings and just before sun sets should be left to population who live on the lake to enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Bass are starting to bed and the people trying to impress everyone by going as close to the shore line as possible should give everyone and everything a break and just use some common sense and have respect for everyone else. The bright lights that you are flashing onto the lake reflects in our windows and the noise from the airboat is extremely loud (if it was not for your earmuffs you would probably be deaf) but expect everyone else to listen to it, especially when running three or four airboats together.

I am demanding nothing at this point, other than to please use some common sense when running an airboat, and please consider the point of this letter: respect our privacy and our rights when enjoying yours.

Darrel Johnston
Sebring

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