To the editor:

We’re all hoping that good things come to Polk County along with the just-approved White Oak Equestrian Development.

There should be many jobs for Polk County people. I’m told that Roger Smith has been very good about using Polk County craftsmen and materials in other building projects in the area in the 10 years he’s lived here. The equestrian development should also bring long-awaited things for the kids to do.  That should be especially true if the developers bring to Polk County the “Saturday Night Lights” entertainment that they’ve brought to the Wellington, Fla. equestrian community.

In addition, developer Mark Bellissimo explained at the planning board meeting, where the project was first unanimously approved, that in Wellington, they have a charitable giving program that raises money for local charities from the people who come to participate in and watch the many equestrian events.

I’m hoping that Mr. Bellissimo will follow through and bring that wonderful program to Polk County, providing much needed new infusions of charitable giving for our fine local charities, especially those that help the less fortunate in our community.