Editor: I think we are losing sight of the real issue here.
A group of people are trying to change a street name that has been Sixth Avenue for decades; the other group of people are fighting to keep what is theirs.
Laws are made to be followed. The city leaders did not. When they voted to change the name, they broke the law.
-- Dale Armstrong, Port Richey
Restaurant shows kindness to peaceful protesters
Editor: Those of us who have been standing in the hot sun on U.S. 301 in protest of the proposed action by the Zephyrhills City Council to rescind the renaming of Sixth Avenue to Martin Luther King Avenue wish to thank the management and employees of the Clock Restaurant.
We do not know where they stand on this issue, but we do know they have kind and generous hearts. They have provided cups of ice and water and have returned to refill the empty cups for those standing near the restaurant. We will remember their generosity.
It would be wonderful if more citizens of Zephyrhills would acknowledge our peaceful protest in a similar manner. Small kindnesses bring large rewards.
-- LaVaunne Miller, Zephyrhills
Hysterically demanding that they get their way
Editor: I can't see how renaming a street anywhere has helped a racial group to better itself. You may find examples of this all over America, where a portion of a ghetto area has been renamed, as if to warn people.
Rather, it shows how misguided some people can be in hysterically demanding that they get their way, instead of letting the due process of elected officials in government run its course.
Instead of finding meaningful causes, they seem to be bent on finding discord.
Two wrongs will never make a right; Dr. King never intended to find ways to disagree.
-- Angelo J. Anello, Land O'Lakes
Why not Jesus Boulevard or Pope John Paul Lane?
Re: Turnabout over MLK Avenue strips King supporters of dignity, May 4 letter.
Editor: Congratulations to the writer for a great letter.
As a Christian, I would not presume to rename an established street after Jesus Christ. This man did more for all of us by teaching love and forgiveness and by dying on the cross for our sins, yet how many cities and towns have a Jesus Christ Boulevard?
Was Dr. King greater than Jesus? As a Catholic, I would not dream of going into a neighborhood and renaming a public street after Pope John Paul II. Why not? It's a matter of consideration for other people's feelings. My heroes are not your heroes and your heroes are not my heroes. Can't we all just get along?
I have no problem with every town with a population of 50 people or more naming a street after Dr. King, but it should be a new street, not an established one. I am not a racist, but don't come into my neighborhood and try to rename my street after anyone. I'm certain the original petitioner had the best of intentions. How much better it would have been to petition for the next new street to be named after Dr. King. This would have prevented hurt feelings and the racial strife that has been created.
-- Barbara Bolen, Port Richey
Article on desired nudist park in Hudson was misleading
Re: Quaker's crusade riles fellow nudists, May 2
Editor: The story contains several important and misleading statements. The headline itself is misleading. This is not a Quaker project. This is not a Bill Martin project. The chairman of the 15- member not-for-profit religious corporation board happens to be a Quaker. It is open to all people, without regard to religious affiliation, who accept nonsexual naturism.
Did the Pasco Times state so blatantly that Lake Como was founded by a Mennonite? Are Quakers supposed to be so special?
The article states that Martin is relying on "deed restrictions at least 30 years old." Perhaps the records need to be checked. Founder Ward Gulvin placed deed restrictions on most of the property in the mid 1980s when he transferred the property from himself and wife to the Naturist Religious Society. They specifically provided that "the sale and use of the land is restricted to members of the Florida Naturist Park" and that membership is not transferable. Hardly 30 years ago.
The article implies that we unilaterally placed new covenants on the property. That would not be legal. All we did was file a notice against each property reaffirming the existing covenants and advising that we intended to enforce them.
The article refers to Mike Boyce as our partner. Continuing Care Inc. is an independent not-for-profit corporation and has no partners. We are working with several businesses in developing the property. If anyone is a partner it would be T&T Management, but it too is only an associate with a business relationship. We are in serious discussions with Mike Boyce to purchase and develop the adjoining grounds and to possibly undertake construction within the park. This does not make him a partner.
Publishing such stories with gross and misleading statements might bring readers who wish sensationalism, but it is not the fair and accurate reporting for which the St. Petersburg Times is known.
-- William R. Martin, Venice, Chairman, Continuing Care Inc.
[Last modified May 6, 2004, 01:00:39]
