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Highlands Today

Jacaranda Aquabics Classes

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Patricia Lister

Published: September 20, 2008

For five years now I have been taking classes at the Hotel Jacaranda through South Florida Community College. When I first started, the pool was completely enclosed, which made it great for taking classes all year round. Hurricane Charley completely demolished the enclosure and it hasn't been replaced since that time as the college stated that they couldn't afford to replace it. That was four years ago.

When I started we had 14 people in the class and at various times, especially in the winter, we're lucky to have five. People keep dropping out because they can't afford to pay for services they aren't getting. Those of us who have stayed the course through freezing weather and cold water in the pool should be awarded medals. Instead, the college keeps charging us more money. The reason we stay is because we need the exercise the pool affords us as we all have disabilities that prevent us from doing exercises otherwise.

This past winter was really bad and we lost a lot of pool time, none of which we were reimbursed for. Now, they have contracted with a local pool company to care for the pool and what happens? First, one day last week the temp in the pool was over 90 degrees and we couldn't exercise because it was too hot. The next time, just before we started, they shocked the pool and the following time they threw in some sort of cleaner that had bleach in it. When we got there the pool looked like a giant washing machine with bubbles and white cleaner floating all over the place. The college states that they have no control over all of this as it's under the control of the maintenance department at the college.

Excuse me but who is working for whom here? We all think it's about time the college took control of this entire situation and did something about it. Soon we will have another winter upon us and still no cover for the pool. Personally I cannot afford to keep on paying for poor service and no service at all. Wake up people and take charge and responsibility for what is going on here. Do something to remedy these situations.

Patricia Lister
Avon Park

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