Mr. Gibilaro,

You wrote to Mr. Paslay:

"The rumors out there regarding the Suncoast Parkway are far too numerous to list. They deal with a misunderstanding of the study process that are presented as fact for whatever reason. When these rumors are brought to our attention we will do our best to correct these."

I agree with you that the rumors ARE rampant.

For example:

1. Rumor #1: the Suncoast 2 will solve the local traffic congestions for Citrus County.

This is evidently unfounded. As you said in your email to me:

"I can not validate your statement regarding relief to US 19 or other roadways because I have not yet received traffic projections. Following the receipt of traffic projections in September of this year, these issues can be investigated."

Clearly, there is no evidence to this rumor because there is no factual data whatsoever to-date to support it. However, it is being widely spread nonetheless as fact.

2. Rumor #2: the cost of the roadway will be paid by the user in the form of tolls, and that the cost will not be borned by taxpayers.

Clearly, we do not know this yet, since although FTE has not filed the official form for Federal funding, the intention is not negligible with the current 4(f) review. To-date, we do not know if the Suncoast 2 will be using tax payers money or not. Yet, this rumor is being widely promoted.

3. Rumor #3: the parkway would provide a vital link for evacuation routes.

In the event of a hurricane in the Gulf requiring evacuation, shall all residents head toward Red Level and take US19 North to Georgia? or would it be better to head inland, toward Orlando?

4. Rumor #4: Citrus has grown incredibly fast.

How does that translate to the need for a North-South tollroad? Are there other counties growing just as fast but do not have tollroads? How do they fare? Any research into why we need a tollroad here and not there? Where are the numbers to link "Citrus is growing" to "Citrus needs a tollroad"?

5. Rumor #5: We need ahead to plan for our transportation need. Without future planning, Citrus roadways will become clogged leading to further run-off issues and air quality issues.

How does local transportation need for Citrus be solved by a tollroad, whose Needs Analysis has yet to be formalized (as it will be by end of EIS formulation), and local traffic analysis has yet to be done? What data indicates that the tollroad will unclog any local roads for Citrus in the future (how much traffic will be unclogged, where? Will it actually cause more local congestion as it brings higher rate of growth into Citrus than would otherwise occur?) What data validates that Suncoast 2 will reduce run-offs and air pollution for Citrus County? Does the weight of existing scientific data show that roads attract higher rate of development thus creating more traffic in the area, or the reverse?

6. Rumor #6: Citrus needs this road.

Why? EXACTLY what problems will it solve for Citrus? What problems will it bring to Citrus? Do we know? If we don't know, then why spend the money? How much traffic through Citrus, say from Marion will it attract, causing more air pollution to Citrus where that would not occur with Suncoast2.

Indeed there are many rumors floating about very much unfounded by facts. On this we agree.

Regards,