Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 14, 2002
Editor: I am very concerned over the moving of the two inner city hospitals from New Port Richey.
On July 31, 2000, there was a fatal accident that closed down and delayed one of our main and overly traveled transportation routes (State Road 54 and Little Road) for nearly three hours. My main concern is that many of our residents, especially the elderly, live within the city limits. What if they, as an example, were to go into cardiac arrest while such an accident was also occurring? Would we have another death on our hands because the EMS would have no way to get out to these newly located hospitals on such heavily traveled roads that could be shut down for hours?
At a recent CPR and first aid class I was attending, it was stated that "delay spells danger." When someone suffers a traumatic event such as a heart attack, or a major injury/accident, minutes, especially the first few, count, and being able to get them to the nearest hospital is of utmost importance.
If we have no nearby city hospital and aren't able to even get to these new bigger and better ones, then what's the point? Are our politicians and health care officials willing to take responsibility for the possible additional deaths as a result of your decision to move both of our hospitals?
Also, I hope they are looking at other roads to lead into the hospitals.
-- Sue Gleeson, New Port Richey
Re: Misdirection, Aug. 11
Editor: Well, The Taffetas made the front page. As it deserved.
What a wonderful and entertaining show. This performance at the Angel Cabaret Theatre was perfect for the entire family. Two hours without profanity, sexual overtures or any negative behaviors. What a compliment to Jimmy Ferraro to produce a G-rated show that anyone from 8 to 90 would enjoy.
The choreography was wonderful no matter who did it.
-- Donna and Pat Cahill, New Port Richey
Editor: Since July 5, I have been trying to get the retention pond behind my house in Gulf Highlands mowed.
When I first called the county Department of Public Works, I was told the only way it gets mowed is if you make a complaint because they do not have the personnel to check out what needs mowing. I was told it would probably take 10 days. I waited 10 days and called back, only to be told it was someone else's job.
Later, I was told they were behind due to the weather and perhaps it would be 20 days.
I contacted the assistant county administrator, the county commissioners and public works as to when this would be done. I was then informed that public works only works four days a week, 10 hours a day. No wonder they are so far behind.
Last week a gentlemen from public works came to my home and said that it would be another four to six weeks, as the mowing crew is working somewhere else and they will not get to this area until then.
I find this totally unacceptable. The last time this retention pond was mowed was back in September 2001 when I again called in a complaint.
I cannot imagine who would authorize this department to work four 10 hours a week during the rainy season. I asked what happens when it rains at 2 p.m.? I was told they have other things to do. It rains almost every morning or afternoon in June, July and August. Can they have that much other work to do?
As of this date, this retention pond has not been mowed and we are put off until sometime in September.
I find this totally unacceptable.
-- Barbara J. Nickolas, Port Richey