Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Government must prepare for disasters

Re: ARLENE BRET CINDY DENNIS EMILY FRANKLIN GERT HARVEY IRENE JOSE KATRINA LEE MARIA NATE OPHELIA PHILIPPE RITA ... TWO MONTHS LEFT, story, Sept. 27.

After reading this article, I am amazed to see how ignorant our governor is about the situation we have in the Tampa Bay area.

We are the most heavily populated region of the state, and as far as Pinellas County goes, we have shelters for only one-half of the very sick and elderly population. There is talk of using movie theaters and other similar buildings that may be available as refuges, but we are not to be told where they are until the very last minute. These would be for those not able to get into existing shelters.

In spite of the huge real estate tax increases pouring into the government coffers (courtesy of our nonhomesteaded part-time residents), there has not been any effort to correct the situation of nonexistent shelters. After four hurricanes last year, I would think that this would be a top priority of local and state government.

On top of this, we are now being told that Houston's failure to reverse highway lanes (until late in the evacuation) will probably be repeated here.

If you live in Tallahassee, it's easy to go north, east and west and get anywhere in the country. We in Pinellas are lucky to be in the middle of the state so we are halfway there. But because of our numbers, we can't possibly evacuate in an orderly fashion if another parking lot is in the making.

I watched Houston traffic all day, and as soon as they finally decided to reverse the oncoming lanes, the traffic moved. People were finally able to get out. Thanks to some brave souls who took it upon themselves to stop the insanity of sitting there for hours in the heat, for having the courage to get in those empty lanes and get out of harm's way. They gave the authorities no choice but to reverse those lanes.

This should never happen again. Put some real effort into this situation and people will be more than willing to drive carefully and safely. We can get this done!

Last year, people drove all over Florida looking for rooms. There was no communication from town to town. We can correct this too!

A landmark destroyed for condos, yet again

Re: And the walls came tumbling down, photo, Oct. 9.

Another popular Clearwater Beach landmark hotel bites the dust. The Adam's Mark was imploded to make way for luxury condos. Does anyone see a trend here?

I think we will soon see a new sign to go along with the new bridge to the beach that will read, "PRIVATE BEACH - RESIDENTS ONLY."

Stories of compassion are refreshing news

Re: Sept. 26 Clearwater Times section.

We could have renamed the Sept. 26 Clearwater section the "good news paper." How wonderful to read such heartwarming stories of real caring people who not only make promises to help, but actually get out and do the work, and right here in their own community too.

The CareFest 2005 (Communities turn out for day of caring , story) sounds like a wonderful group of concerned and caring individuals who actually live their religion, as opposed to those who profess with their words and do nothing to prove their faith.

Also, there was the story about the "Belle of the Ball" project (The right dress without the price tag, story). I can just imagine the heartache of a young lady being asked to a social affair and then realizing that her family can't afford a new dress or any other nonessential items, so she suffers in silence rather than burden her already struggling parents.

Then she hears about Susan Schwartz and her "Belle of the Ball" gowns - no strings attached and no extra burden on her parents. These young ladies must be thrilled, knowing they can attend a school function without looking any different than any girl on the dance floor. I say God bless Mrs. Schwartz for helping those young ladies feel and look like everyone else. She's truly an angel.

[Last modified October 11, 2005, 01:57:17]