Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Acqua is what downtown needs

Re: A huge draw, and a drawback, story, July 19.

Something like the Acqua development in downtown Clearwater is just what it needs. I would like to be able to go downtown and have a nice dinner and watch a movie and not have to deal with the parking and heavy traffic along U.S. 19 and other areas in northern Pinellas County that have fine dining and first-run theaters.

I think the complex would attract beachgoers on their way home from a day on Clearwater Beach and bring life back to downtown Clearwater again. I think the complex design would enhance Clearwater's skyline, while still blending in with the existing character of the city.

I think it's time for Clearwater to step it up and provide a complex of this type.

Current high-rise plans need more parking spaces

Re: A huge draw, and a drawback, story, July 19.

I noticed the story about a 32-story high-rise with 8-12 movie theaters proposed for downtown Clearwater.

Did you notice how many parking spaces it will create? Not enough for people going to the movies, much less those using the building.

How can we build more if there is no place to park?

Mobile home owners deserve better redress

Re: Mobile home residents appeal for shelter, Diane Steinle column, July 17.

With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on eminent domain and the constant assault on mobile home parks, I urge lawmakers to adopt the "10 times" policy. It would require developers who displace any resident to compensate the owner 10 times the fair market value.

I know this would not stifle development because of the windfall to these greedy developers, but it would ease the indignity suffered by anyone being uprooted in such a cruel manner.

Letters on Scientology breed malice for followers

Re: Scientology's actions more telling than words, letter by Fran Glaros, July 14.

Fran Glaros' most recent letter piqued my interest. I have read a number of letters from this same person disparaging Scientology.

Ms. Glaros is part of a group that has been in disagreement with Scientology for decades, which is her American right if she chooses that association. Some or all of the church's policies, practices and beliefs are not agreeable to her, and she also has a right to her own opinion about that.

Unfortunately, I think her actions might have the effect of making some people in the community dislike their neighbors who are Scientologists.

Sowing disharmony or malice between neighbors is not the way of Christ, regardless of one's opinions. It creates an unpleasant situation for the person who is disliked, but it sets up a far worse fate for the person who is sold and buys in to the idea that he should dislike his neighbor.

The most senior commandment is "Love thy neighbor as thyself." I'm pretty sure Jesus did not mean to exclude Scientologists when he gave the world that law, and I'm pretty sure he means business when he tells us that we would be well-advised to heed what he says.

Pilot's fight for banners one for American way

Re: A pilot sues over towing banners, story, July 18.

And well he should, because this is what he does for a living.

The only caveats should be that the banner messages are in good taste - i.e., not derogatory or inflammatory - and that he fly in and out of airports with the least commercial air traffic.

Otherwise, what is the problem with allowing him to do his thing?

If his suit is unsuccessful, then our country's systems of law are in jeopardy and our American way itself - freedom, life, liberty, etc. - is the ultimate loser.

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

We invite readers to write letters for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.sptimes.com/letters If you prefer, you may instead fax your letter to us at 727 445-4119, or mail it to Letter to the Editor, St. Petersburg Times, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756.

Letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified July 20, 2005, 00:57:15]