Private club builds, conducts and limits park trains
Published December 30, 2003
Re: Park train shouldn't be private, letter by James Arthur Adams, Dec. 22.
I just read Mr. Adams' letter about the train in Largo Central Park. Apparently he is not aware that it is a private train club and the train is not owned or run by the city of Largo. All of the railroad stock is privately owned and privately maintained.
I have visited the train club on two occasions. The second time, even though the club was closed, the two gentlemen there were kind enough to show us the train stock in the trailers and talk about it and gave me a copy of the Largo Central Railroad schedule.
Because it is a private club, it has the right to host private parties and deny rides during that time to anyone who is not a member of the private party, whether they have 100 riders or one rider.
Unfortunately, your 2-year-old grandson who experienced the disappointment is too young to understand. Apparently, you didn't understand either. I'm sure that someone at the club would have been kind enough to tell you what weekend during the month it offers rides to the public.
As for the train club occupying land in a city's public park, they probably are paying for the use of it, and they are taxpaying citizens, too.
According to the Largo Central Railroad schedule that I got, train rides will be available to the public Jan. 3-4. I'll bet if you take your grandson back then, he will enjoy the train ride.
-- Ron Theiss, Tarpon Springs
All aboard one weekend a month
Re: Park train shouldn't be private, letter by James Arthur Adams, Dec. 22.
I would like to set the record straight concerning the Largo Central Railroad. There is a large sign at the station area that says the railroad is open to the public on the first full weekend of every month. There could be up to seven or eight trains running from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Other weekends the A train and the station are rented for an hour or more by anyone who wishes to have a children's birthday party. These people are entitled to have the train and station for their private party.
Largo owns the park, but the trains, locomotives and track are owned and maintained by the dues-paying members of the train club.
-- John Egan, Largo
Unfair, but only to childish minds
Re: Park train shouldn't be private, letter by James Arthur Adams, Dec. 22.
Just imagine what it would be like if all children entering the park that day wanted a ride on the train. That party would no longer be private.
Explain to your grandchildren that they can get a ride any full weekend of the month, and bring them back at that time. You missed out on the opportunity to explain to the grandchildren that there are circumstances that need to be respected, though seemingly unfair, and not to lash out at the people giving the party.
You sound as spoiled as your grandchildren.
-- Dolores Ruskin, Largo
Gray is an example to all leaders
Re: Gray set bar high, but appointee can meet it, editorial, Dec. 21.
Clearwater has been blessed with an early Christmas gift in Mr. J.B. Johnson. The city will undoubtedly benefit from the experience and wisdom that he brings to the table, but his greatest gift to the city will be the strong moral values that his presence exudes.
You know there is something special about this man when your 29-year-old wife informs you that she hopes you are like Mr. Johnson when you grow up.
Mr. Johnson's faith and commitment to our area certainly make him an excellent role model for our current and future city leaders.
-- David Williams, Clearwater
Rinaldi family appreciates your help
On Nov. 8, a beloved member of our family, Clearwater police Sgt. Joseph J. Rinaldi Sr., passed away after a seven-month battle with lung cancer. In the months after his diagnosis, and since the mournful day of his passing, our family has been inundated with support from the entire community.
There is no way possible we, his family, can mention - never mind truly thank - everyone for all they have done for us during this sorrowful time in our lives. However, to all of our family, friends, the Clearwater Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police, Anclote Elementary School, Hospice of Pasco County, Trinity Memorial Gardens, New Port Richey Elks Lodge, Lakeview Baptist Church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, St. Petersburg Times, the doctors and staff at the Florida Cancer Institute, West Coast Medical and Community Hospital, Pasco County Sheriff's Office, New York, New York club, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Olive Garden restaurant, Johnny's Italian restaurant, Rossi's Italian restaurant, Julie's Limo and Topline Auto, we offer our sincerest thanks. To all of you, and those unmentioned but not unnoticed, please know how deeply you touched a family in their darkest of days.
-- The Rinaldi family, New Port Richey
Evil and good on the same day
On Dec. 22 at the Walgreens on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, I had just gotten in my car after buckling up my 5-year-old and 6-week-old sons when a man opened the passenger side door and stole my purse.
A man and a woman immediately ran to my aid and stayed with me throughout the whole ordeal. I didn't think at the time to get their names. I just want them to know I am so grateful to both of you; you have no idea how much I appreciated you staying with me. You showed my kids there are nice people still out there. Thank you so much.
-- Laura Conklin, Clearwater
[Last modified December 30, 2003, 01:16:10]
