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Letter to the editor

Getting there

By LORRIE LYKINS
Published June 1, 2005

KRISTY PALSHA, 39, a case manager at the Morgan & Morgan law firm.

STARTING LINE: Snell Isle

FINISH LINE: Kennedy Boulevard and Tampa Street, downtown Tampa.

THE RIDE: A black 2001 Toyota Highlander with 54,800 miles

GAS MILEAGE: About 25 miles per gallon

THE ROUTE: North on First Street, over to Fourth Street at some point, then east on Gandy Boulevard, over the bridge and onto the Crosstown Expressway. Get off at Platt Street or go over the Platt bridge and take a left right after the bridge.

How long is your commute?

About 23 miles each way. It takes about 30 minutes.

Latest you can leave in the morning and still make it to work on time?

7:20 a.m.

What time do you usually get home after work?

5 p.m.

Do you ever car pool?

Yes, when school is in session, with two short little sweeties (her daughters) before I drop them at school. Now that school is out, I have a short reprieve from that.

What's the gas station on your route with the cheapest price?

I usually use my BP card to pay for gas, so I stop there, or the Amoco station on Fourth Street and 22nd Avenue N because it's on my route. I just don't have time to shop around for the lowest prices.

Have you found a good shortcut?

My husband insists it isn't a good shortcut, but I like to turn right off Fourth Street at 83rd Avenue and take the back road behind the dog track. It becomes San Martin Boulevard and brings me out onto Gandy by Dave's Package Liquor Store and Lounge.

How do you occupy your drive time?

I listen to the radio, 101.5 FM or 97.9 FM, or I listen to CDs.

What CD is in your player right now?

Elvis Presley!

What do you like about the commute?

Time all by myself to think.

What do you dislike about the commute?

Idiot drivers.

Any daily rituals related to your commute?

Yes, watching for cops.

Is there anything you do on the road that seems to annoy other drivers?

I don't think so. But the other day, some woman kept honking her horn at me for no apparent reason.

What do other drivers do that drives you crazy?

Tailgating. It's the worst on the Gandy Bridge. People speed up on your tail and ride your bumper. There isn't anywhere for them to go, but regardless, they keep riding the bumper.

Most memorable thing you've seen while driving?

One very early morning I was driving on Snell Isle Boulevard and came upon a car stopped in the middle of the street, blocking the roadway. The lights were on and the engine was running. I called 911, and while I was waiting for the police, the operator asked me if there were people inside. So I approached the car and looked in. There were two guys in the car, both completely passed out. And one of them was totally naked.

[Last modified June 1, 2005, 00:38:18]