Erin Park Residents

Once again the residents of Erin Park have stepped up to the plate and took care of a problem that should have been resolved by the county or the state. For the second time in six years we have paid to have the sandbar at the mouth of the canals to Little Lake Jackson removed. We wish to thank all of the residents, both part-time and full time, that contributed to having this done.

We feel that access to the lakes should be maintained by the DEP or the state. Access to the lakes, logically, should fall under the jurisdiction of the Parks & Recreation Department, as boating, fishing, etc. is recreation. We suggest that maybe some of the monies could be designated by the Parks & Rec to help keep the access to the lakes cleaned out.

Of course, a sandbar under the bridge on U.S. 27 denies access to big Lake Jackson, our "Jewel of Sebring," to all residents on Little Lake Jackson and the three connecting canals. Correcting that is controlled by the Department of Transportation, who adamantly disallows any sand removal, even enough for a flow of water between the two lakes, let alone boat passage.

When we spoke to Clell Ford about this problem, he said they were working with the DOT, but could not give us a time frame for removal. We suggest concerned residents call or write to J.D. Alexander, State Senator, who has an office at 167 W. Center Ave. Sebring, FL 33870. His phone number is 386-6016 and Denise Grimsley, state Representative, 205 S. Commerce Ave. Suite B, Sebring, FL 33870, phone 863-385-5251. Perhaps they can help get this sandbar removed.

Thanks again to all residents, full and part-time, who contributed to having the sandbar removed. Now all we need is some rain and maybe we will, at least, be able to get into Little Lake Jackson.

George and Faye Atkinson

Jake and Ann Roehm

Jimmy and Lorraine Grifo

Sebring