Letters to the Editor

Best beaches in the nation? That's just one man's opinion

Re: Local beaches rank high in survey, story, May 25.

When I was a young boy in New York City, I spent my summers playing on the powdery white sand of Rockaway Beach and swimming in the majestic Atlantic Ocean that constantly pounded its shores. Now, as an old man, it remains for me the most beautiful beach in the world.

It was upsetting to read the annual America's Best Beaches ranking, a list compiled by a Florida International University professor. I was bothered not because Rockaway Beach was not on the list, but because, quite simply, there was a list at all. Worse, that there was a ranking. Surely, for many people who have memories such as mine, no ranking is necessary because their beach is the best.

We seem to have an obsessive/compulsive disorder of rating and ranking to find No. 1. If it's not the best picture, it's the best player, the best TV program or the best something. The best of anything, so to speak, usually ignores the personal tastes of the many using the criteria of a few. Apparently, to find the best beaches, the professor appointed himself the creator of criteria and the chooser of winners. A one-man industry. Ridiculous.

America has uncounted beautiful beaches. Everybody has a favorite for one reason or another. Some were on their "best beach" only yesterday. In my case, it seems like only yesterday.
Jack Bray, Dunedin

Tarpon Springs dog park enjoyed by man and beast

I just got back from the new doggie playground in Tarpon Springs. What a joy it is to see my greyhound run unleashed; she actually smiled. My boxer also was happy to smell all the new scents without being hurried along.

I want to thank the city fathers for following through with this program. Resident Nancy Dively is to be congratulated and thanked for all her hard work planning the dog park.

Many dog lovers will visit the new site and also will be thankful to be able to let their pets run free. Roses to all the city officials involved.
Fran Myzel, Tarpon Springs

Motorists will eventually learn to navigate roundabout

Re: Clearwater Beach roundabout.

My wife and I lived in Fort Worth, Texas, for almost three years. There were several roundabouts in the city, and if a Texas cowboy can handle it, we can!

We've now lived in the Clearwater/Largo area for 29 years, waiting for Clearwater to do something great for the approach to the beach area. As "fountain appreciatists," we thought the fountain was absolutely gorgeous and the roundabout fantastic.

If the rules could be enforced, people would eventually discipline themselves enough to navigate it properly, but the police have an impossible situation as far as enforcement. What happened to area pride and just slowing down to show admiration for a beach entry that contributes to tourists returning? We drove out there in part to let our kids look at the fountain!
David Hobbs, Palm Harbor

Fountain on roundabout isn't clogging traffic to the beach

Re: Clearwater Beach roundabout.

The problem is not the fountain! The traffic is no better or worse than before. Why not keep the $2-million fountain and enjoy it? It's beautiful!
Joan and Bill Sterrett, Dunedin

Street numbers eliminate the feeling of community

Re: Where the streets have four names, story, May 20.

I grew up with East Lake Road, McMullen-Booth, Palm Harbor Avenue and the like.Once I started working for Sunstar EMS, I had to learn how St Petersburg does it -- with cold, unfeeling numbers. Sure, you get used to it and it makes a lot of sense, but you still have to memorize which streets and avenues are one way, and you need a better understanding of direction.

These names I lived with gave me a sense of community. It sparked my interest to learn more about the McMullen family, Mr. Ulmerton and other pioneers of Pinellas.

If you want to live on a number, move to St. Petersburg. If you want to live in a community, stay up in north Pinellas.
John Dickson, Clearwater

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