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Clearwater's beach isn't what needs revitalizing

Re: City agrees to pay for Beach Walk, story, Dec. 16.

I recently watched America's Best Beaches 2005 on the Travel Channel, and Clearwater's beach was rated the second best beach in America. So the question is, why are we spending $30-million to "revitalize" what most of the world apparently considers to be the perfect beach?

I come from New England, and we have a saying you might have heard: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," much less spend $30-million on a project that's apt to go the way of the Biloxi casinos and New Orleans' Ninth Ward if an ill wind should blow our way.

If Clearwater feels the need to "revitalize," why not start with block grants to fix up the slum housing around Jack Russell Stadium? Why not buy out the drug-infested hotels along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and build day care centers? Why not buy up dilapidated old trailer parks and build decent housing for seniors? Why not pay school teachers better salaries and "revitalize" our classrooms?

No, Clearwater apparently intends to spend $30-million to make the rich richer. By a few zoning regulation changes, the city has already done enough to aid the well-heeled; it's the rest of us who need looking after.

There's a rotten odor coming from the direction of the beach and it ain't dead fish.

Don't let construction on beach stifle businesses

Re: City agrees to pay for Beach Walk, story, Dec. 16.

What a thrill to realize that the dream is finally coming true! The tired old caterpillar of a beach is ready to spin itself into its cocoon and await the day it can re-emerge as a beautiful butterfly. I say bring on the bulldozers!

Oh, but what a terrible situation for the Clearwater Beach merchants. Three and a half years is a long time to suffer through the detours and disincentives of being in a construction zone. Businesses on both ends of the beach are already feeling the effect of fewer rooms and fewer patrons, and it's only going to get worse.

It's appropriate for the city to inform the public of the reality of the traffic and parking mess that awaits beachgoers, but let's not scare everyone away from the whole beach! The north end is unaffected by the Beach Walk project, and the stores on Mandalay, Poinsettia and Baymont are still open, easy to get to, and eager for your business.

Perhaps the city should consider doing something to help the beach merchants make it through these trying times. A little positive PR or advertising would be a nice offset to the "stay away" message they're sending now.

I, for one, will be making a point of getting over there and spending a little money in a couple of my favorite shops and restaurants, and I hope others will do the same.

Safety Harbor downtown is more than just Main Street

I find it very interesting that the Safety Harbor commissioners spoke of downtown as Main Street and spoke of the lack of restaurants and shops. If they would walk one block off Main Street, they would find brick streets, oak trees and a quaint little enclave of shops and restaurants.

My shop, Our Little Secret, is located on Fifth Avenue S and Second Street S. I have been there for nine years and have fought a constant battle with people thinking downtown is strictly Main Street. If it is difficult for businesses to make it on Main Street, try being off Main Street.

Please, please, Safety Harbor commissioners and townspeople, remember it's not just Main Street!

[Last modified December 23, 2005, 01:13:18]