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To the Editor:

Early [last] week, I had occasion to drive from Southern Shores to Nags Head at 5:30 in the morning. I was appalled by all the lights blazing along the route. Shopping center parking lots lit up like noon time.

There was absolutely no one in the lots. Businesses, banks, and even churches had huge signs with big spotlights. These places would not open until 9 or 10 or even 11 o’clock, why light them in the middle of the night. I understand the need for security, but half or a third of these lights would suffice to deter bad guys. Or, why not leave on some inside lights.

Then today I drove the route again at midday and some of the parking lots still had the parking lot lights burning! The Hospital and the Police, Fire, and EMS stations and a few other businesses like gas stations need to be lighted, but not these other places. Why waste this energy? Aren’t towns and owners aware that the lights will draw the baby turtles in the wrong direction. There is a reason for the “Dark Skies” philosophy.

So, town mangers, business owners, organization leaders, and home owners – please, please, please TURN OFF SOME LIGHTS!

Mary Hoffert, Southern Shores

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