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Why not Pinch-a-Penny Largo Cultural Arts Center?

It's truly nice to see that the Angel of Financial Doom and Gloom did not visit Largo.

After all, judging by the vocal opponents of the recently enacted property tax rollback (Thank you commissioners and mayor who voted in favor of the Largo taxpayer.), you'd think that surely Largo World is soon to end. It didn't, but Battlefield Largo is but a year away. Just a thought: Maybe we should examine fiscal priorities now.

You'll recall that during the great budget vote, Largo Commissioner Mary Black presented her recommendations about how the city can save some money. I have reviewed her recommendations and found nothing objectionable. Matter of fact, budget anomalies aside, her recommendations should be adopted and implemented immediately!

Believe me, there are no reasons to wait. Do it! But being pragmatic to a fault and knowing that Largo has way too many sacred cows, I offer up the following money-making ideas.

Following Tampa's lead (Raymond James Stadium and the St. Pete Times Forum) we should sell naming rights to various city properties/venues.

Take the Cultural Arts Center and see if Pinch-a-Penny is interested. We can call it Pinch-a-Penny Largo Cultural Arts Center. Or make a deal with the $2,000-a-week, part-time Largo city attorney and do a trade. In consideration of his services, we'll rename Central Park, Zimmett Central Park.

Find sponsors for all the police and fire department vehicles; I think Radio Shack or Motorola are naturals for both. What's the harm, a little bumper sticker with their logo? Rather have the city get their money than mine/ours.

Now, Public Works? Have to work on that one. Maybe the Miami Dolphins would sponsor the garbage trucks.

I have a lot of other ideas and suggestions about fees, implementation of this plan and how to respond to those who think I've finally lost it, but that's for another day.

My fellow Largonians, the time to implement positive financial change is now, not a year from now. After the budget was adopted, both Vice Mayor Gay Gentry and Commissioner Pat Gerard stated, "... we'll be addressing this problem next year and in subsequent years." If we don't fix it now, City Manager Steve Stanton will, no doubt, commence the spin (again) about cutting police, fire and other programs if taxes aren't increased. Let's do a financial nip and tuck now and the problem is solved.

Oh, I'm not kidding about naming rights. We should do it and believe me, every surrounding community will follow our lead.

Great effort, but be careful with the bricks

Re: Facelift in the works for Edgewater Park, story, Oct. 17.

As a relatively new resident of Dunedin, I first would like to applaud the efforts of our elected officials. They are honoring the sacred trust of the residents as they work to improve Dunedin, the gulfside jewel we call home. Our city commissioners and dedicated staff are very deliberately and cautiously working to improve our quaint city.

Good examples of this effort are the new stage in Pioneer Park, the streetscaping along Alt. U.S. 19 and now the revitalization of Edgewater Park. Dunedin economic development director Bob Ironsmith and staff are exactly correct in their assessment that this park is in need of a facelift, and I am glad to see the commissioners all in agreement on supporting this project.

I did read one thing that concerns me. The plan for Edgewater Park includes "creating a brick plaza" around the gazebo. I suggest that the staff leading the planning for this project proceed with care. We don't need this "jewel of Dunedin" covered over with red brick in an overzealous renewal effort.

An example of overdoing (or overbricking) a good thing can be seen in Pioneer Park. The park is crisscrossed with red brick sidewalks and the good-size oak trees have been surrounded with what looks like large, brick planters. This reduces significantly the grassy area for families to sit on during the Friday night community movies and other events.

We live in an overbuilt county and every bit of green space is precious. I think we will all benefit from seeing more green and less red (brick).

Keep up the good work!

Looking for a mixed-breed pet? Try shelters first

This is an appropriate time to address everyone who is considering adding a new pet to their home.

It is very disturbing to me to see the many ads in the "dogs available" column in the classified pages of the St. Petersburg Times. The particular dogs that are of concern to me are the very expensive mixed breeds that seem to be the latest rage.

I wish I had kept the edition of the Life magazine supplement that appeared in the Times within the past year. On the cover of this particular edition was a picture of a Labradoodle. The item was well-written and very informative, with some positive points made. But - bottom line - the message was: This is a mixed breed.

Due to the recent hurricanes, our local animal shelters are overflowing with wonderful, previously owned and loved pets that need new homes. Please consider visiting your local animal shelters and stop keeping up with the Joneses who are paying $750 for a Labradoodle, $450 for a Maltese-Yorkie or $395-$650 for a Malti-Poo. I am a senior citizen and in all my years, I've never seen such prices being asked for a mixed-breed dog!

Please, please, don't wait. Run to your nearest animal rescue facility. There are great pets, for a nominal fee, waiting for you.

Preserve the Belleview Biltmore and its history

I can hardly believe Florida residents would want to demolish the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa. The history around it should be preserved. Money could never buy the history surrounding the magnificent edifice.

Surely, the National Trust should step in and save it. We are from England, and demolishing it would never be allowed there.

[Last modified October 24, 2005, 00:59:17]