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Hernando Today

Tents-R-Us: Outlet Mall Gives Back To Community

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 5, 2008

As we write this reply, we always felt Hernando Today was very fair in reporting both sides of an issue.

The article "Our Opinion" was printed in Hernando Today on May 29. Because the article was not signed, I called the newspaper and was told "Our Opinion" was the newspaper's opinion.

In speaking to the agent and several of the merchants at The Outlet Mall, my husband and I found them to be upstanding citizens and community minded. Ninety percent of the merchants that lease space from The Outlet Mall live in Hernando County - the other 10 percent live in nearby surrounding counties. Here's the good news. The Outlet Mall pays 6.5 percent state tax on lease monies - one-half percent goes to Hernando County.

Because of the present economy, these merchants lease space at The Outlet Mall because they could no longer afford their past leases. Here's more good news. Each merchant must pay state sales tax of 6.5 percent - one-half percent going to much-needed revenue in Hernando County. These merchants are not taking money from the county. They are giving back.

Regarding the coffee man, his log cabin coffee stand added class to the county. If one read the article, "Things Look Black For The Coffee Man" by Michael Bates, you will see there was never a problem with restrooms. If you read "County To Rehear Coffee Man's Case" by Michael Bates, you will see the coffee man helped the economy - having three employees.

Most of the tents that go up are merchants from The Outlet Mall. They have to go before the planning and zoning board. In speaking to staff at P&Z, fees for a tent start at $200 plus other expenses; they must have insurance and meet the fire code.
Tent events have brought traffic to The Outlet Mall for the local businesses. All events are set up with the cooperation of all the small businesses located in The Outlet Mall. One of the tents was used for arts and crafts sales by the Brooksville Art League.

On July 12, the Nature Coast school system will be sponsoring a hold 'em tournament to benefit the athletic department. On July 15, there will be a benefit for the Dawn Center.

The Outlet Mall saved us from having an abandoned building like Kmart on U.S. 19, which is a real eyesore.

This is not an opinion. It is fact.

George and Eleanor

Marholin

Brooksville

Editor's note: Unlike unbiased reporting in the news pages, editorials, columns and letters to the editor are one-sided opinions of an issue reserved for the "Opinion" page. Everyone's opinions are welcomed and encouraged.

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