Trouble in Paradise

Sitting serenely on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Island of Venice is one of the crown jewels of the City of Venice. The island is a place where stately live oaks and towering palms conspire to form plush, verdant canopies above old world avenues and manicured parks. This Florida treasure is an elegant yet unpretentious place - a place where snowbirds come when the frost nips the North and where others settle down to raise their families or enjoy their retirement years. Residents often call the Island of Venice "our little piece of Paradise."

Now, toxic oil is threatening our shores, and residents are waiting , quietly, cautiously, fearfully, to see if our beaches, bays, and canals are raped by the folly of mankind. It's a strange feeling to know that part of our world could be seriously and perhaps irreparably harmed, yet we selfishly hope the poison will disappear or invade other shores and leave ours untouched. But for now we go about our business in intentional denial. Some sit lazily on the beach and wade in the pristine waters of the gulf. Will those clear waters be there tomorrow or next week? No one knows. Soon the poisoned waters will come or pass us by. Then we will wait for the hurricanes.

Life is good today. When the sun rises again, we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Joe McKee