In the wake of Hurricane Charley, the Pinellas County law enforcement community must ask itself if it is prepared to effectively and efficiently respond to such a disaster. "Community" includes all of the politicians involved in the public safety process, from chiefs of police to city managers and council members.
That Charley did not strike Pinellas County as expected was a blessing in more ways than one. Without question, a disaster of that magnitude would be crippling for any community, no matter how prepared it is. But Pinellas County is unique due to its small size, dense population and geography.
As Charlotte County is now keenly aware, no amount of preparation can overcome nature's fury. Days go by without water, electricity or communication. Public safety becomes so critical and strained that help from all over the state becomes necessary. Police agencies from all over Pinellas County are actively assisting Charlotte County - not just Largo police.
A question I would like the politicians of Pinellas to answer is: In the event Charley had come here, who would ultimately decide what areas of the county receive the most attention from the outside help that would surely come? I have believed for many years that a natural disaster in Pinellas would prove how inefficient law enforcement is here and just how detrimental it is to law enforcement's sole purpose: public safety.
Do not be fooled by cliches such as "mutual aid." There are at least 10 police agencies in our tiny county, all serving different masters with different agendas. When push comes to shove, the city manager of Largo is not concerned about the situation in Lealman. The police chief in Gulfport is not concerned about what Tarpon Springs residents are dealing with. That is not his job.
What Pinellas County residents need to understand is that this is unhealthy and does not bode well for its disaster preparedness. The only solution to this silent but deadly public safety crisis, is consolidation. Yes, I finally said the "C" word. Can you hear the police administrator in your local city gasping for breath as he ponders losing his bars and stripes in favor of true progress in the area of public safety? Can you hear your local city manager groveling over his own perceived loss of control in favor of bringing all of the talented law officers of Pinellas together once and for all so that they may finally and truly work together to make Pinellas a safer place?
Do not be fooled and do not be mistaken. If Hurricane Charley had struck Pinellas County, our disjointed system of law enforcement would finally be seen for what it is: a disaster waiting to happen. Until a true leader emerges in Pinellas County who is willing to risk being ridiculed for the sake of public safety, those who make up Pinellas law enforcement will continue to be hampered in their jobs and the citizens of this county will ultimately pay the price.
-- J. Waulk, Belleair Bluffs
Biltmore kept people comfortable during storm
Re: Hurricane Charley evacuation.
The Belleview Biltmore was another hotel that was so considerate of the people who stayed there prior to the hurricane. They made the rooms very affordable and welcomed all who came, including pets of every size. The staff worked double shifts to ensure our comfort, including three buffets each day. They also kept us informed via bulletins of the latest updates and news. Our thanks to all of the staff for an enjoyable stay.
-- Eileen Blossom and other residents of Continental Towers, Clearwater
Meteorologists helped make people feel safe
To meteorologists and newspeople out in the field, locally and nationally, reporting for three days and nights about Hurricane Charley, making certain that everyone was kept abreast of what was happening in and around the Tampa Bay area, never knowing that Mother Nature would change her mind, I applaud you.
All of the meteorologists with such modern technology could not have predicted such a change. I couldn't leave my TV because I've never seen such complete coverage before. And somehow I felt safer knowing you were on the other side of my room, letting me know what to do and what not to do, like family, standing by us all when we needed you. You're still there today, letting us know how the unlucky ones are surviving such a horrible storm. Thank you, one and all. You're the best.
-- Dee Jackson, Tarpon Springs
Shelter offered needed care and compassion
Re: Hurricane Charley evacuation.
We left our mobile homes for shelter at Palm Harbor University High School. We were treated with love, compassion and respect. They gave us smiles, hugs and good food. We felt safe and secure in their care. May God bless all of you beyond measure.
-- Earl and Pat Ziler, Ebby and Gen Cobb and Dottie Zepp, residents of Grand Bay Mobile Home Estates, Dunedin
[Last modified August 24, 2004, 00:25:27]
