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If those that support an Academy were true champions of environmental issues the Comcast facility just off island would be the least detrimental to the carbon footprint of Southwest Florida.

Since recycling an existing building on an existing developed lot far outweighs new construction and any fencing you can provide to prevent gophers from invading the school grounds. Or is it to prevent school employees and students from invading the gopher holes. Geez, who is keeping out whom? Remember, Ms. Watt consulted the Cousteau Ocean Society board member, who provided rebuttal that the school would only occupy one acre of land which would not impact the existing tortoises. Really? This is the response from an organization that purports to defend the environment and its native inhabitants. And then to add the fencing to secure the protection of the inhabitants.

Is it me, or did I just witness doublethink? Not from the government but from environmentalist?

My suspicion is there are some founders and supporters of the Academy that will not agree to having a school off island. In fact, Ms. Watt says that a school off island would not assure enrollment to Marco Island students since they would be open to outlying communities. And outside its control. So to whom is the school for? Is it not for the benefit of those within the vicinity?

By placing the school off island, you may in fact encourage more applicants, or are we just interested in assuring a seat for those parents that support the school and not those that could benefit most from the school. Like a child on Manatee Road whose parents may not be as vocal or active or may in fact be poorer and darker and more ethnic in their demeanor?

Common sense tells me education on Marco Island should be about educational opportunities to a more rigorous teaching program not to a diminished selection of students based on a single zip code.

Is it more about purity of student makeup than purity of higher educational opportunity for students.

And this at a Homeowners meeting after just listing to Fia-La-La telling the audience that Jackson Labs would bring in bring in highly intelligent scientists and their spouses which would lead to bright offspring to the and benefit of the county at large.

God, help me I think I just witnessed a Progressive incarnate comment on benefits in the purity of human selection or is it race. I am surprised she did not offer Planned Parenthood a government loan to expand services. Or did I see a glimpse of fascism here on Marco?

Folks, I may be over the top in my analysis, but Fiala's comments in this public forum was scary to say the least. And Ms. Watt's attempt to use environment sensitivity as a ruse for a school program does not match with the potential sites they wish to pursue.

So other factors must be in play that are not listed on their website. Or maybe I am just contributing to the misinformation on this subject.