The Galleria mall in Fort Lauderdale, as it exists, needs to go. Its near-brutalist architecture is a testament to a lack of form and function. The interior is a mausoleum of cold, wasted space and confusing, disconnected levels.
I’m not thrilled about the possibility of nine massive housing towers and the impact on our resources, but clinging to the memory of a mall that once was does nothing for our residents and visitors. We also cannot ignore the need for more housing.
It’s time to think bigger with a mix of retail and onsite housing (including affordable housing).
For starters, get some inspiration from Rick Caruso’s Americana at Brand in Glendale, Calif., and his other successful projects there.
Kevin Schoeler, Fort Lauderdale
Disenfranchising voters
Florida House District 87.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has finally set the special election for state House District 87 in Palm Beach County. (The seat is vacant because DeSantis appointed former Rep. Mike Caruso as the county court clerk.)
The general election is set for March, 24, 2026. This will be 11 days after the scheduled end of the 2026 Legislative session, thereby disenfranchising more than 114,281 voters.
In my opinion, the date is intentional to avoid what will likely be a pro-Democratic vote. As Republicans have overwhelming control over the state House, one more Democratic vote would make zero difference in the outcome of any House floor votes.
Nonetheless, the people of District 87 deserve to be represented in Tallahassee. The disenfranchisement of this many Floridians of representation in the Legislature is very undemocratic.
Marc Dickerman, Fort Lauderdale
Keep us laughing, Pat
Courtesy
A long-time Florida journalist, Pat Beall is a Sun Sentinel editorial writer and weekly columnist.
After reading Pat Beall’s latest column in Saturday’s Sun Sentinel (“Halloween at the old Trump place,” Oct. 25), it occurred to me that she is the only remaining local journalist regularly writing about political matters from a humorous and sarcastic standpoint.
Similar writers from other South Florida papers are now retired, including Carl Hiaasen (of The Miami Herald) four years ago, and Frank Cerabino (Palm Beach Post) earlier this year.
Pat Beall must carry this torch for as long as possible.
Jack Lippman, Boynton Beach
Remembering June Lockhart
SCI-FI CHANNEL
June Lockhart, left, was in TV’s “Lost in Space” and was best known as Timmy Martin’s Mom on “Lassie.”
Many tributes to June Lockhart, who has died at age 100, focus on her wholesome, maternal image.
But to see what might have been, check out her two episodes on “Have Gun Will Travel” in the role of Dr. Phyllis Thackeray.
Television may be a cool medium, but the chemistry between Lockhart and the show’s star, Richard Boone, positively sizzles.
She played the roles she was offered, and she could have been so much more. The world is a smaller place without her.
Ann Carter, Merritt Island
No guns in Publix
I wholeheartedly agree, no guns or knives in Publix (“It’s time for sanity at Publix,” Letters to the editor, Oct. 26).
I will not set one foot in their stores, with fear for my safety and for my grandsons.
Publix corporate heads obviously do not care about the safety of their employees or their customers.
Next, it will be “Publix rage” instead of road rage. Then come the lawsuits. Good luck, Publix — and good riddance!
Lisa Cutlip, Brooksville
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