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Tax investment in arts is a key component for a vibrant city

Re: City sweats out list of budget cuts, story, Sept. 8. There has been some criticism of Largo tax dollars going for the arts and the Largo Cultural Center. However, the arts are an investment in the community and an essential part of the fabric of any successful community.

As a resident of Largo and patron and member of Partners 'N Progress for the Arts, I and my family have truly appreciated the performances we have seen by Eight O'Clock Theater and the children's series. We have attended the special Christmas shows including The Nutcracker . One daughter has danced onstage each June for three years with the Bunny Ott Dancers, and our other daughter studied acting at Largo's theater camp and performed i n Annie .

For years we have watched and experienced the evolution of the Cultural Center, and it has become the crown jewel of Largo. If the adjacent old library building is used for artistic purposes or education in the arts, it will serve to enhance and anchor the progress of the city. A strong cultural presence helps to attract and retain business as well.

Let us not forget the valuable efforts and financial support of our community leaders, sponsors, philanthropists, volunteers and residents that already have led to the growth and viability of our Cultural Center. From what I have seen, such support continues to be steady and is the prime example of pride in one's community.

Hopefully, the mayor, commissioners and other decisionmakers will preserve and enhance this pride. For us, it is not only a pleasure, but also a goal, for our tax dollars to be spent cultivating the arts.

A new deck could solve beach's parking problem

Re: Marina parking worth a look, editorial, Aug. 28.

Almost everyone agrees that we need more parking on Clearwater Beach. However, the locations suggested for a parking structure just don't seem right, especially a structure that would conflict with the Beach Walk plan and the beach itself. Also, a structure at the end of the beach is not an adequate solution.

Let me suggest a location that seems feasible to me and solves those problems, as well as provides some additional benefits. Why not build the parking structure on the site of the roundabout, which has produced many problems since its creation?

A multistory parking structure could be built to capture much of the traffic of people who merely want to visit the beach in the vicinity of Pier 60. Those who have designated parking at hotels, condos and restaurants could proceed to their spots, using conventional driving lanes, utilizing stoplights for safety, as we had prior to the roundabout.

To further alleviate congestion on the beach, the city, cooperating with beach businesses, could provide transportation for visitors to the island with 24-hour van or people-mover vehicles of some kind. The visitors would simply park and then be provided transportation along the way to both ends of the island.

To counter those who would say that such a structure would obscure the view of those driving to the beach, let me suggest that all drivers should keep their eyes on their driving and not the approaching view. That can be appreciated later.

In addition, I envision a beautiful structure with flowers and greenery in planters flowing from all levels of the structure. On the top of the building, there should be shops and restaurants with beautiful shrubs and flowers, and a 360-degree view of Clearwater Beach, the Gulf of Mexico, the Intracoastal and the Clearwater shoreline. I would hope that the restaurants would include a coffee shop that would be open 24 hours as well as an elegant-dining restaurant.

The site would also provide additional parking for the marina, and it would ensure adequate parking on the beach, the safety of driving to the beach, as well as the other amenities mentioned. With imaginative architecture, vibrant colors and beautiful greenery, this structure will be functional and also a thing of beauty.

A great article acts as miniguide, sparks R&R

Re: A dozen great walks, story, Sept. 4. Since I don't have kids, my refrigerator has a new masterpiece on it. What a great article! Concise, great map, it makes you want to jump in the car and go! Perfect places to go for a weekend jaunt or, better yet, a midday getaway, a long lunchtime break to refresh your mind before getting back to the old daily grind.

After you visit one of these jewels, you just might be more relaxed, refreshed, smiling and say all is well in the world ... even if it is for only an hour or so.

A+

to the writer and photographer who did this beautiful article. We need more like it!

P.S. Did you do the same for the south and mid Pinellas? Even though I don't live down there, it would be interesting to see what's down there.

[Last modified September 19, 2005, 01:08:18]