Letters to the Editors

A copy of Sand Key? Who wants it?

Re: A $350-million beachside dream, story, Jan. 23.

So long, Clearwater Beach, it's been nice knowing you.

One of the reasons I moved to Clearwater 22 years ago was that Clearwater Beach was the best in Florida. It's sad to see good things disappear in the name of progress.

The two new white elephants at the north end have already driven a stake in the heart of the beach. This "dream" will just send Clearwater Beach to oblivion.

Yes, there will be more money passed around to a few people, but the beach will be lost for all future generations. Clearwater Beach will have to be renamed Sand Key North. We did an excellent job of destroying Sand Key -- unless you own a condo there, of course.
-- Ron Funderburk, Largo
EDITOR'S NOTE: The $350-million Bluewater Isle Resort project has been proposed for the Intracoastal Waterway side of the barrier island, not the gulf or beach side.

Huge resorts are not beautiful

Re: A $350-million beachside dream, story, Jan. 23.

I've been a winter visitor to this area for the past eight years. If I were a resident of Clearwater, I sure would be concerned about the Bluewater Isle Resort project. There is nothing beautiful about it.

Developer Bob Metz said the present area is an eyesore, but if you want to see an eyesore, drive south over the Sand Key Bridge and look at the building monstrosities there.
-- Al Barrow, Dunedin

Florida needs its snowbirds

Re: Snowbirds should know water rules, letter, Jan. 16.

Yes, snowbirds should know water rules and obey them. The Floridians who continually complain should know a few things, too. They should give some thought to the whole picture.

In the past few years, the people of Puerto Rico protested the U.S. Navy bombing range there. The Navy finally said okay. Without the bombing range, the Navy no longer needs the Navy base there. Now the people of Puerto Rico are begging, crying and willing to give their firstborn to keep the Navy there.

Let us look at Florida today. There is a water shortage. Do the city fathers realize it? They continue to issue building permits for hotels, condos and subdivisions, also malls that require acres of pavement that direct rainwater to retention ponds and then conduits to the gulf instead of sinking into the (underground) water supply.

Let us look at the snowbird who owns a house like yours and stays there for five months. He pays taxes like you do, except his tax bill is based on an assessment $25,000 more than yours. When he is away, his water is turned off, but he gets a regular water and sewage bill. He pays someone to mow his lawn.

Snowbirds like Florida. Florida needs snowbirds. If you see a snowbird (illegally) washing his car, treat him like a Floridian. Notify the authorities. That's their job.

When summer comes, you are welcome up north.

If you are driving at the speed limit in the passing lane with your right signal on, we'll slow down and let you make your lane change.

We'll not blow our horn if you fail to make a jack-rabbit start the moment the green light comes on.

Come on up. Bring your wallet and credit cards.
-- Albert Frederiksen, Largo

Siren elsewhere means pull to right

Re: Leave center lane for emergency vehicles, letter, Jan. 27.

In response to a letter from a driver of an ambulance in Largo, I believe that in other states, when an ambulance is approaching from the back, all drivers are by law required to pull to the right and slow down or stop.

I have driven an ambulance for 40 years, and if I saw a driver pulling to the left, I figured that I and my passengers were in trouble. In Phoenix, even in four lanes going in the same direction, all vehicles pull to the right curb and stop; the emergency vehicle has clear sailing.

So please don't slam the snowbirds for doing what is law in the rest of the country and in Canada.
-- Phillip Dean, Largo

Troops deserve as big a cheer

I wonder how many Tampa Bay residents will take a day off from work to attend the big sendoff when our troops board the ships and march off to war to preserve our freedom and way of life?

Will our schools allow classroom time so children can make "Go Troops!" posters? How many residents will show up at the port to proudly welcome the troops home and cry when the body bags are unloaded?

How many Tampa Bay residents will fly "Go Troops!" flags from their cars as a show of support for those men and women who put their lives on the line so the rest of us can have the freedom to go to Raymond James Stadium and cheer "Go Bucs"?
-- Len Vivolo, Clearwater

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright