I agree with most of what you are saying. The county acted in good faith. My concern is that some of these folks are natives of HC and know the long history. Someone should have known if this quasi county road / boat ramp is legal or not, and should have asked for legal research before jumping on the “let’s form a committee” bandwagon.

These legal legacy agreements are fairly common; disputes about public access are common in Florida, esp. beach access. In Highlands County we have to re-create the wheel everytime there is a community dispute. This won’t be the last time we have egg on our faces!

Big words coming from someone who is not even a resident.

“I’ve read a few opinions posted here that made me scratch my head, pucker up, an utter duhhhhhhh.”

How nice that you have me pegged as stupid without even knowing me. Actually, when people underestimate me, it just makes things easier. FYI, I have a graduate degree and I am a member of MENSA.  I happen to be a personal friend of Ms Cain-Anderson. I helped her find her attorney during the time that she was being bombarded by calls from the divers, and another person who had offered legal assistance and then turned around and withdrew the offer.

“Learn to laugh people, it hurts less when you laugh about it.”

I’ll be laughing all right- at people like YOU!

I am almost 50, and I remember the Lake Denton conflicts from the late 70’s.  They put up a big fence to keep people out, then had to remove it.  It seems like it has never been totally resolved.  We used to swim there, especially after we could no longer swim in Lake Isis.  Those were the only clean lakes back then, with cold clear water. 
I no longer swim there, but it should be public access.  Crescent Beach and Hidden Beach in Sebring, used to be good family swimming areas, but no longer.  Now they are limited.  How many beaches are going to be taken away from us?  What about public right of way, etc.?
Youths need somewhere clean to swim and keep cool, especially in the Florida heat.  If there needs to be supervision to assure good behavior, then instead of closing beaches and charging fees, WHY AREN’T THERE LIFEGUARDS OR SOME OTHER TYPE OF SECURITY?  People come to Highlands County BECAUSE OF THE LAKES.  Why not use some of the tax money to hire security?

Re: Land swap deal proposed. Be careful what you wish for. Next we will have an amusement park out there. Law enforcement issues will not be resolved by charging admission fees.

No good deed goes unpunished - Phil Osopher

Swapping Lake Bonnett land for Lake Denton land is a great deal for the county.  Lake Bonnett is nice but Lake denton is plain and simple a better Lake.  I really do not see a problem with people enjoying themselves at the lake.  The senior population needs to realize that the younger generation in this county is not interested in the same activities that they are.

I am not sure about the so-called senior population, but a Public Beach at the LD boatramp area is a great idea for all of Highlands County. This new beach can be designed to accomodate all who wish to use the lake.

Been_There_Done_That - 10 January 2008 12:35 PM

I am not sure about the so-called senior population, but a Public Beach at the LD boatramp area is a great idea for all of Highlands County. This new beach can be designed to accomodate all who wish to use the lake.

I’d support that, as long as people leave their clothes on and don’t abuse the place.  You should see the mess sometimes at Olivia!

The land swap if legal, would seem to be a good idea.  It is my opinion that Highlands County and for that matter the whole State, is lacking in public access to the lakes, rivers and beaches in Florida.  However many of the same problems would still exist at Lake Denton.  Would adding one acre, provide enough space for a public park/swimming area?  The County would still have to police the swimming area.  The residents of the area would still have to tolerate crowds, noise and perhaps crude behavior.