As the discussion goes on about what to do with the black olive trees in the Las Olas Boulevard median in Fort Lauderdale, I find the trees beautiful.
Since moving to Victoria Park, I have had occasion to use Las Olas as one of my routes to and from downtown. Because vehicles of certain height must clear Las Olas without obstruction, the black olives are “limbed up” and lower branches have been pruned away. That gives the trees an umbrella-shaped look.
They provide stretches of somewhat cavernous canopy. Because of their concave shape, these black olives are perfect for hanging illuminated decorations. I enjoy walking down Las Olas because of these black olives.
Having walked streets on the side and down the middle, I can tell you it’s no contest. If we’re serious about pedestrians as a priority, there’s no question who goes in the middle — pedestrians, cars or trees. Look at each existing tree as being worth keeping as long as it lives, then address all concerns and come up with a well thought-out, gradual transition. Beauty should give way to beauty.
Randall Robinson, Fort Lauderdale
(Editor’s Note: The Fort Lauderdale City Commission plans to vote on the Las Olas mobility project’s western corridor at a meeting on Jan. 20, 2026).
Where was Congress?
I have always believed that if you murder someone, you must pay the price in prison.
But we have a president and his Cabinet who so far have killed 95 souls without any proof of wrongdoing. Attacking people in boats is a crime. Why is it being overlooked by Congress?
Arlene Goldsmith, Boynton Beach
Reactive, not proactive
The caption with the Page One photo about Australian police patrolling after the mass shooting points to a very serious problem. Authorities everywhere seem to react only after a disaster.
The gunmen in Australia appeared to have easy access to an overpass, which gave them clear shots at the innocent people celebrating Hanukkah. This was the case where the shooter had a clear shot at President Trump in Butler, Pa., and similar incidents.
We must become more vigilant and authorities must pay closer attention to people who have a record of violence. This is the world we live in today. We must act accordingly.
Bernard Shuster, Hallandale Beach
Comparing sports coverage
Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Sun Sentinel sports columnist Dave Hyde. (Mike Stocker/Sun Sentinel)
I agree with the writer’s letter regarding the Sun Sentinel vs. Miami Herald coverage of Broward events, but saying the Herald sports page is superior to the Sun Sentinel’s except for Ira Winderman’s Heat coverage is totally off-base.
Herald columnists Barry Jackson and Omar Kelly are very good, but they’re not better than Dave Hyde, Chris Perkins or David Furones at the Sun Sentinel.
They tell it like it is and are great writers.
Gino SantaLucia, Plantation
Crossing the line?
I read Dave Hyde’s column on the Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with growing concern, not because it was critical, but because it crossed the line from analysis to advocacy (Tua’s era is done; who picks Dolphins’ next QB?, Dec. 17).
When coverage is saturated with loaded language and speculation is presented as fact with a consistently dismissive tone toward individuals, it risks losing credibility and usefulness.
The Dolphins’ struggles are real. The organization faces difficult decisions at quarterback and in its leadership. Those deserve clear-eyed reporting and thoughtful commentary. What readers benefit from far less is a narrative that appears predetermined, where each new development is framed as confirmation of a long-standing thesis rather than examined on its own merits.
Disagreeing with personnel decisions is fair. Personalizing those disagreements and portraying them as obvious failures after the fact is less constructive. Your readers favor a more balanced approach that’s critical without being caustic, analytical without being dismissive, and informative without editorializing every turn of events.
Keith Cobb, Pompano Beach
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