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Editorial: What Have We Learned?
September 3rd, 2005

Editorial: Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
August 17th, 2005

Editorial: What Is a Consultant to Do?
July 5th, 2005

Editorial: Six Land Use Petitions in Play
June 25th, 2005

Editorial: Poaching & Plagiarism
June 13th, 2005

Editorial: Upward and Onward in 2005
May 24th, 2005

Editorial: Farewell Maureen
May 17th, 2005

Editorial: Speaking About Speak Out
May 10th, 2005

Editorial: Informed Voters Wanted
March 26th, 2005

Editorial: Health Needs Survey Well Received
February 12th, 2005

Editorial: Fire Protection, Fire Insurance and Tax Justice
January 25th, 2005

Editorial: Cedar Key Health Service Survey
January 14th, 2005

Editorial: New Year`s Resolution
December 31st, 2004

Editorial: Do We Need Better Healthcare in Cedar Key?
December 16th, 2004

Editorial: Help Defend Us
October 29th, 2004

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Air Boats and the Golden Rule

Air Boats and the Golden Rule

Editorial

There are two versions of the Golden Rule. The original version, " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The cynical version is "He who has the gold makes the rules." Reality is a mix of the two.


The noise from tourist air boats, raised as an issue at a recent Commission meeting, brings to mind the noise of jet aircraft near airports. Also, the noise and disturbance of wildlife by snowmobiles in National Parks has become a problem, as has helicopter flights over the Grand Canyon. There have been technical and regulatory solutions to these problems.


There are technical solutions to air boat noise. Mufflers, low noise-propellers and lower prop speeds through reduction gears are possible. Use of these devices by all air boat owners seems about as likely as hitting a traffic jam in Otter Creek.


Air boat noise is a hot button issue that may only be solved by legal methods. However, politicians like to avoid issues with passionate supporters, no matter how small the group. Legal solutions include strict enforcement of the current law, limiting the hours of air boat use, conditional licensing, and protection of wildlife under current regulations. But perhaps the problem can be solved by mediation and compromise.


Consideration is the basis of the original Golden Rule. Compromise can be a part of the cynical version. Obviously commercial interests are at stake. The value of properties occupied for the peace and wildlife viewing by our community is affected by the noise of excursion air boats. The income from tourists riding air boats is a factor. Invoking a constitutional right to make noise just "won`t fly." Let`s use common sense and solve this problem.

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