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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 7, 2002
Re: New cross-Pinellas road is complete, story, Oct. 26.
I have lived in Pinellas County for more than 41 years and find it interesting how Pinellas County and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) have managed in just a few years to make the drive on U.S. 19 between 118th Avenue and ParkSide Mall one of the most miserable commutes in this area.
Only a few years ago this stretch of U.S. 19 was actually the best stretch of this otherwise ghastly road, but no more. The following decisions by Pinellas County and the MPO have created this situation:
-- The addition of a traffic light at the entrance to the Super Wal-Mart. I am sure the Pinellas County commissioners and MPO executives have reserved parking places at the front of the store. So much more needs to be said about this traffic light, but it makes me sick to think about it.
-- The traffic light at the entrance to the Mainland's subdivision and the old Wal-Mart. I have sat at this "dumb" (a light that does not sense traffic) traffic light and watched the turn arrows turn green when no one is turning. In my opinion Wal-Mart should have had to foot the bill for a smart light at this location, or if the MPO had any sense, they would have raised my taxes and put up a smart light.
-- The new traffic light at 118th and U.S. 19. This light backs up traffic on U.S. 19 for miles. The overpass that should have taken 118th over U.S. 19 sits at 66th Street. I find this particularly confusing since 66th Street is a terrible road and it is not the only major north/south corridor in the county.
The decisions by the county and MPO on the above traffic lights are a slap in the face to all taxpayers of Pinellas County, but especially to those in southern Pinellas County.
The decisions the county made help the residents of Hillsborough County reach the beaches while discriminating against the residents of South Pinellas and to a certain extent North Pinellas.
-- David S. Williams, Clearwater
Re: Bay area youth orchestra booted from Osceola Middle School, story, Oct. 26.
My goodness, it certainly must have been an extremely slow news day for you to print on the front page up top with bold headlines the article about the "Bay Area Youth Orchestra" being "kicked out" of its rehearsal space.
Or perhaps your reporter, Abbie Van Sickle, is still a little green in her chosen profession and rushed to write an article that was sure to stir up some controversy. I believe it was more the latter, for if she truly did her research, she would at least have gotten the name of the student group correct; it is the Pinellas Youth Symphony.
I would just like to say that I believe there is more to this story than what has carelessly been reported.
My daughter is a second-year member of the Pinellas Youth Symphony. My husband or I attend all her rehearsals, and not once have we ever seen any damage done to the grounds or buildings or students left to their own devices. There is a constant parental presence in the rooms and on the grounds. As a matter of fact, each room has a "room mother" as well as the conductor.
I know that in my daughter's group, the room is left spotless after each rehearsal. If one or more of the conductors has damaged property, then they should be made to pay restitution, not the whole group punished.
In general, though, these are orchestra students we are talking about here -- highly talented and classically trained young musicians who have worked hard to be members of the Pinellas Youth Symphony.
It can be a strong assumption that these are not your "bad kids." The symphony gives these students an outlet for their talent and opportunity to grow as musicians and young adults. What a shame that there is an attempt to discredit them, in a day and age where we need more activities for our youth.
In any event, we hope that this article has not done enough harm to this wonderful organization such that it will not be able to find comparable rehearsal space. We should be supporting groups such as this, not trying to tear them down.
-- Nanette Angelone, Clearwater
Re: Lost on U.S. 19? Look for purple signs, story, Nov. 2.
Rather than waste $200,000 on insignificant numbers, why not require all business signs to include highly visible street numbers?
-- R. H. Kulaas, Clearwater
Re: Big strides for Palm Harbor girl, column by Bill Stevens, Oct. 22.
Once again, thank you for your wonderful article about the American Heart Walk and our granddaughter, Maddie Grace Price.
As a family that has been touched by the need for heart research, along with countless others, we are honored and proud that she is the ambassador (for the Heart Walk). Your articles bring public awareness of the tremendous need for everyone's support.
The American Heart Association of Pasco County did an outstanding job of organizing and working the very successful Oct. 19 walk. They are so dedicated and their tireless efforts were rewarded by the turnout of walkers and supporters. It was so heartwarming to see the spirit of togetherness -- people in wheelchairs, walkers and canes, greeting the participants as they completed their walk.
Thank you to everyone who wore their hearts and their sneakers with pride and love, for the generosity of your time and your pledges, for your enduring hope and commitment to research and heart disease.
Yes, Maddie Grace will indeed write her own happy ending, for herself and all the little hearts like hers. She will only need to look at your inspiring columns in her memory book for guidance and the ability to write with so much kindness and concern.
With a piece of "caaaake" and a side of broccoli, she will continue to face her obstacles with her sweetness, never-ending smile and eyes that sparkle with her joy every day. Our hearts smile with the gift we have been given.
-- Carmen Bancroft, Palm Harbor
In 1997 my mother was diagnosed with the wet form of macular degeneration. My mother is virtually blind except for seeing shadows. Although she is facing the most difficult challenge of her life, she does so with an upbeat attitude.
Until she became visually impaired, she was an avid reader of the St. Petersburg Times as well as best-selling novels. Through the Pinellas Talking Book Library (727-441-9958), my mother is able to escape the doldrums and slip into the intriguing world of mystery, suspense, romance and sci-fi. She does so by simply pushing a button on a tape player, which is especially designed for the visually impaired.
Also, through the dedicated volunteers of the WUSF Radio Reading Service (1-800-444-4193), my mother listens to the St. Petersburg Times as it is read, each and every morning. She is as astute about current affairs as are her peers, who have the distinct advantage of their eyesight.
While there is usually about a six-month waiting period for the Radio Reading Service, the Talking Book Library will expeditiously accommodate you.
These enlightening services are absolutely free. These simple little pleasures (that we who have sight take for granted) will shed a ray of sunshine into the dimly lit world of the visually impaired.
-- JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater