Letters to editor for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021

Letter writers
Nathaniel Archer, USA TODAY Network

'Governor, release vaccines'

West Virginia leads the nation in getting (COVID-19) vaccines into arms, both first and second doses. In an interview, Gov. Jim Justice said they do not leave supplies of the vaccines on shelves in storage. They get them into arms as soon as possible.

In Florida, our governor holds back doses instead of inoculating citizens now. At the same time, he complains the Biden administration is not getting enough vaccines to Florida. It appears the governor simply wants to fight with a Democratic administration and ignore the pain of our citizens.

Our older citizens spend hours and days online and on the phone trying to secure limited appointments for the shots. Florida is a national embarrassment.

Mr. Governor, release the vaccines now!

(Editor's note: Gov. Ron DeSantis said he has held back doses for recommended second shots.)

Ron Inberg, North Naples

Dave Granlund, USA TODAY Network

Daily routine in pandemic

After awakening early and patiently sitting in front of my computer every day trying to apply for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment ever since Gov. DeSantis introduced Florida's program, I want to rename this badly designed, administratively mismanaged program. An appropriate title would be "The DeSantis COVID-19 Vaccine Lottery Sleepless Nights Horror Show."

Pray for Florida's future and those who die awaiting an appointment. Remember this system's disaster should DeSantis run again for public office.

Meanwhile, wear a mask and follow COVID protection recommendations from the CDC. The life you save could be yours if you survive the loss of sleep and ultimately get a vaccination appointment.

Joseph Batal, Punta Gorda

No vaccine for two in 80s

I'm 85 with one kidney. My gentleman friend is a retired minister, 82, with bone cancer and still buys food for the less fortunate and exposes himself (to coronavirus risk) with never a thought for his health. I'm sure we are not the only ones in our age group who maybe should have been given priority over the more robust population.

I have tried five different times to get an appointment for the COVID shot to no avail. I can only hope things with be more open for us soon.

Evelyn White, Bonita Springs

Use birthdays for vaccine

Every day there is an article about making the system easier for individuals over 65 years old to obtain a vaccine. It really should be quite easy. Why not take the name and birthday when a person calls?

If it is not possible to give an exact date (for a COVID shot) because of limited supply, take the information and return the call when a supply becomes available.

I have tried for at least three weeks to get an appointment. I am 87.

Doris Loigman, Estero

'Done and out in 30 minutes'

Got my second shot (Jan. 28) at Southwest Florida airport site. The entire experience could not have gone better. My wife and I were done and out in 30 minutes. Thanks to all at the airport site; great job.

The first time we waited 7 hours at the STARS Complex, but we were still happy we did. 

Ulrich Lendener, Fort Myers 

Create a list, then call

Why have the county commissioners not created a master list of those folks in the county who desire a COVID inoculation?

Upon creating the list, sort it by age. At that point, start calling, emailing or texting each person to set up an appointment. Take the onus of this process from citizens and put it where it belongs: with our elected representatives. This has worked quite effectively in other locales.

I will be happy to help recruit a group of people to man the phones to make the contacts.

Please, no more of this endless computer lottery over and over. Take some responsibility. It is why we elected you.

David Davis, East Naples

Tech companies could help

Maybe our governor should be asking the tech companies for help in how to fix our disaster of an unemployment system, as well finding a workable system to get the residents of this state vaccinated, instead of looking for a way to control and punish them. Focus on the people’s needs first.

Charlie Maier, North Naples

Mask 'for your neighbors'

Please, people, wear your masks and wear them properly. That means covering your nose and mouth, if not for yourself, then for your neighbors. Thank you!

Donna Jablonski, Fort Myers

Too many loud cars

What a beautiful and tranquil place Naples is — until you get on our roadways!

Besides the irresponsible, unsafe driving habits we're all aware of, I'm amazed we tolerate the many subcompact, low-slung, cheap imitation race cars sporting mufflers designed to be obnoxiously loud and distracting. Theses little noise machines are the same ones we see darting in and out of traffic, speeding and otherwise being road hazards while exceeding any reasonable decibel level.

When our policymakers get through worrying about leaf blowers, they should tackle this more serious source of noise pollution. My ears are still ringing, although not as much as when I use the blow dryers in our public restrooms.

Bill Feuchter, East Naples