Make it Make Sense: Will Florida get huge data centers? | Column, July 15

Stephanie Hayes’ column is, in my opinion, a rather biased perspective. Hyperscalers are the technology future, and while some attention to electric power demand, water use, etc. may be warranted, large data centers ought not cause insomnia for Hayes or anyone else.

They have strong potential to dramatically increase economic productivity and growth through much higher efficiency. They definitely represent change, which is always uncomfortable. That has been the case with every technological innovation, probably since before the invention of the wheel. You can bet that China is moving full speed ahead on this new technology. The U.S. can’t afford to be scared off by the environmental lobby, climate activists and other Chicken Littles, who oppose virtually every type of development save heavily subsidized “green” projects.

Bob Potter, Seminole

How to stop GenAI from aiding mental health crises | July 19

The guest column by Yosen Zhai about generative artificial intelligence and mental health raises an important concern. AI can be a valuable tool, but it should never become a substitute for genuine human relationships. The real challenge is not simply managing technology. It is strengthening the human connections that technology can never replace.

We should create more opportunities for young people to spend time with others through sports, music, community service, clubs, faith communities and neighborhood activities. From my years as an educator and coach, I have seen how these experiences teach teamwork, communication, resilience and empathy while helping young people build lasting friendships and trusted relationships with caring adults. Those personal connections remain among the strongest protections against loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Parents and schools should also make AI part of the solution rather than viewing it solely as the problem. Families and teachers can use AI together to encourage conversations about stress, relationships, school and emotional well-being. AI can suggest healthy coping strategies, promote communication and remind people when it is time to seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional.

As someone certified in AI and who uses it regularly, I believe its greatest value lies in helping people strengthen relationships, build stronger communities and improve lives, rather than replacing the human connections we all need.

Tom Feaster, Tampa

‘We had no choice’ is not leadership. St. Pete must end its partnership with ICE | Column, July 17

Guest columnist Andy Oliver’s call to end St. Pete’s partnership with ICE seems to rest on the premise that because ICE’s actions hurt others, the city should abandon a principle of the law enforcement community: agencies work together to resolve complex public safety challenges.

What dangers does hamstringing our immigration enforcement introduce? A strong ICE, made stronger by interagency coordination, helps maintain border integrity, but also helps prevent migrant deaths, human trafficking, migrant exploitation, immigrant crime, overstressed local services, injuries and deaths of law enforcement personnel, and family separation and trauma. Where is Oliver’s “prophetic imagination” on promoting the normalization of these miseries by encouraging the city to work against ICE. He enjoys living in a country where he has the privilege and freedom to share his prophetic imagination, thanks to a strong military and multiple law enforcement agencies. The work these agencies and the people in them do is tough and dangerous and despite everyone’s best efforts and intentions, people get hurt. Should we stop supporting our military and police?

A balanced public policy must look at both sides of the equation. I would recommend Oliver read Marco Rubio’s July 16 opening remarks at the U.S. Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism. Rubio laid bare the very real dangers of using one-dimensional thinking on complex public policy as instruments to divide.

Jeffery Halsey, Sebring

2026 Florida election candidates: Primary voter guide | July 17

As a registered Republican in a state with closed primaries, the candidates I have the privilege of selecting are limited to those running as Republicans. The guiding principle that I use is fairly simple. I will never vote for any candidate that is an election denier, is endorsed by President Donald Trump or who identifies with the MAGA movement. What’s left in each category is, admittedly, slim pickings.

Terry R. Arnold, Treasure Island

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