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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 10, 2002
Re: In Dunedin, questions of control, communication, editorial, Jan. 27.
The recent comment by the St. Petersburg Times that perhaps "the city efforts to keep Nielsen seemed to be too little too late" simply is not accurate or factual. Hearing of Nielsen's expansion needs in the spring of 1999, city staff immediately put in motion a series of actions designed to get Nielsen's full attention.
The first phase of pro-active initiatives, all accomplished within the first six months, included:
Zoning modified to allow Nielsen to expand existing building heights from 35 feet to 50 feet.
Hosting a dinner for key Nielsen management.
Securing the six-acre Time-Warner property adjacent to the Nielsen facility for building expansion.
Presenting site plans depicting existing conditions and expansion possibilities for a Nielsen campus.
Retaining an architectural firm to prepare renderings depicting a modern corporate campus setting on the Dunedin site.
Preparing a possible incentive package for Nielsen.
Outlining upcoming Patricia Avenue improvements.
The second phase of pro-active initiatives starting in September 2000 included:
Formal $6-million incentive package with Enterprise Florida and Pinellas County presented to Nielsen.
Mayor, city manager and economic development director fly to New York to highlight Dunedin's strengths.
With confidence, I can say Dunedin responded and mobilized quickly with respect to the retention and expansion needs of Nielsen. Considerable thought, ingenuity, energy and spirit have been displayed over the last two years in efforts to have Nielsen continue to call Dunedin home.
-- Robert C. Ironsmith, economic development director, Dunedin
Re: Sand bar taken over by park service, letter, Feb. 5.
I too enjoy the sand bar at the north end of Anclote Key. I have spent many nights moored there with my family and dogs. In fact, it was the park service that had me go to that island after they forbid me from taking my dogs onto Three Rooker Bar. Now there are no dogs allowed, not even on a 6-foot leash. No camping or campfires. You are allowed to anchor overnight, but don't go wading in the shark-infested water.
We as dog lovers are always protective of the few birds that nest there, and are saddened to watch nature take its course and wash many eggs into the sea. We always pick up after our animals and take trash home with us, including some left by other visitors.
There is very little plant life except a few grasses; there are no shade trees, no water and no sanitation.
This little piece of sand bar cannot be of any great ecological importance in the greater scheme of things. Bird watching is not the "thing" on this piece of land. Honeymoon Island, Three Rooker Bar and Anclote Key itself all are state parks and have no-dog policies. There is now nowhere in the area where we can take our dogs while boating and let them free.
This piece of land is there, created by nature for all to use. It can and probably will be gone after the next major storm. However, this kind of restrictive policy will only turn the folks who support the park service away, and no one save a few park rangers will get to enjoy it.
I had a conversation with Steve Idle, park ranger, who informed me that the sand bar has always been a part of Anclote Key. He also informs me that the sand bar is of interest because of an endangered species nesting there. Apparently, the snowy plover has taken up residence.
I asked where can boaters now go with their dogs? He tells me the spoil islands will allow both camping and dogs. He also informed me that the park service is considering opening up a section of beach on the north side of Anclote Key itself to boaters with dogs. However, that decision is still to be made.
I would encourage anyone with interest in this situation to contact the park service and offer their opinion.
-- Tony Evans, Oldsmar
How come on the Pinellas Trail there are four-way stop signs, but the bikers never stop? Why don't the police enforce the law before somebody gets injured? If somebody does, they will probably blame the motorist.
-- Dion McGinnis, Dunedin