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I have lived in the Clearwater area for more than 40 years, and I am dismayed with the negative opinions expressed by a few concerning progressive activities within the city.
The roundabout on Clearwater Beach works well. I drive it every day, and there is seldom a backup in traffic. It is a big improvement over starting and stopping at three traffic lights spaced within a city block, as was the case before.
The landscaping and lighting in the marina area, along with the streetscaping of Mandalay Avenue, are nothing short of beautiful. It will be a great day when the same is done on south Clearwater Beach.
The private redevelopment on Clearwater Beach is all good. It will result in a much more attractive area for both residents and tourists alike, economic growth and higher property tax revenue for public use.
The new library with its modern design and wonderful location is a treasure for current and future citizens.
And, of course, the new bridge. Sure there have been construction problems and delays. However, let's look at the positive. The officials have agreed to a sensible solution to the problem without an additional dollar of the taxpayers' money being spent. And when it is finished, what an asset it will be! Better and safer transportation, a beautiful addition to our waterfront, quicker emergency evacuation, improved boat traffic and, best of all, a spectacular view for those driving, biking or walking to and from Clearwater Beach.
The future is brighter in Clearwater now than any other time I can remember. All of these projects raise the standard of living for everyone.
The naysayers would rather keep the old and inefficient roads, bridges and libraries rather than accept some risk for a brighter future. Thank goodness they are not leading our community!
My 83-year-young mother recently took the bus from her mobile home in Dunedin to spend a day at Westfield Shoppingtown Countryside. After boarding the bus, she was told by a seat mate that the bus no longer stopped at the mall due to the exhaust smell. She was deposited on the sidewalk on State Road 580.
To return home, she had to cross eight lanes of SR 580 traffic and started walking to find a bus stop. She crossed under the U.S. 19 overpass and waited at two different bus stops for close to an hour, with no bus. She and a nice young man at the second bus stop finally decided to share a cab. Her final words to me were, "I guess I can't go to the mall anymore."
I was horrified. How are the elderly, mothers with small children or the disabled expected to get to the mall now? Does Westfield not want the business of people not affluent enough or healthy enough to own cars?
Countryside Mall won't get any of my money either.
Re: Self-defense no defense in home invasion, letter by Mike Reichold, Aug. 5.
That's a big 10-4, old buddy! Justice is blind, but she ain't stupid!
The last time I checked, our country's laws derived primarily from English Common Law, U.S. constitutional law and U.S. statute law.
Therefore, how can a felon break into a home with force of arms, murder its occupant who was trying to defend himself and plead self-defense?
Even "the devil made me do it" defense is more plausible.
What has happened to Sunsets at Pier 60? I work at a motel on Clearwater Beach, so when visitors ask about local attractions, I often recommend Sunsets at Pier 60, or, at least, I used to.
After being asked what happened several times and being told that it was a shame by people who visit the beach often, I had to go check it out for myself.
What is billed as local artists and craftsmen selling handmade items has turned into a flea market, with back scratchers made in China, shells with Clearwater Beach stamped on them from Taiwan, twisted bamboo stuck in vases imported from who knows where.
There was any number of buy and sell items that anyone can order in case lots via the Internet.
There are still some excellent artists and craftsmen on the pier, but who knows how long they will stay.
I guess the operators of Sunsets are giving in to the almighty dollar and saying to heck with quality and craftsmanship.
Don't get me wrong, flea markets are fine, I go sometimes myself, but not at Pier 60. Our visitors expect and deserve more than that and so do our local artists and craftsmen.
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