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Plan to relocate park residents is more like a myth

I still haven't figured out what is more pathetic: the Clearwater City Council's and Pinellas County's plans for displaced trailer park residents or the fact the St. Petersburg Times bought into it.

A plan that will forcefully move the county's weakest, poorest and oldest citizens to some mythological "appropriate housing" 10 miles from their current neighborhoods where they shall rediscover the American Dream in their decaying years is just too cynical even for hardened politicians. A plan that conveniently forgets that the same thing is going on 10 miles away.

Or is it Plan B: Toss them into some cheap welfare hotel for two years before kicking them into the street. Of course, if we could take all the seniors 10 miles offshore and dump them, that would solve the problem. But there's always "housing counseling," whatever the heck that is. Since we have no current need for "housing counseling," why don't we loan our "housing counselors" to New Orleans? Plenty of people there without homes.

I suppose it never occurred to the members of the City Council that all the counseling in the world doesn't replace a good solid roof.

But I have a solution. Why don't we demolish the current City Hall and build a lovely condo project for displaced seniors to live out their old age in dignity? This would help repopulate the downtown and provide a safety net for trailer park residents.

Then we can relocate the politicians into temporary offices in empty trailers in the mobile home parks. This way when a developer wants to buy the park, he can buy the politicians at the same time, sort of a Wal-Mart Supercenter for the wealthy.

Just say no to ugly, soulless condos

Why would anyone in their right mind want to live in these ugly, soulless condos being overbuilt everywhere? Most are being built on the beaches, closing off the rights of all.

California has finally imposed restrictions on condos that block the public's right to watching sunsets and digging their toes in the sand. After overbuilding and overpricing, many are left standing empty.

I suggest people who have the kind of money it takes to live in these upscale ghettos just stop buying them! Show some style and class - just say no to all these horrid condos. If you have that kind of money, surely you could do better than moving into what I suggest looks like public housing.

Also, to these builders of tasteless condos: Do you really want your grandchildren to admit you are responsible for leaving this type of destruction? Stop being so greedy. It is very unbecoming and puts you in a tacky society.

Facility's closing is for residents' safety

Re: State's details scant regarding facility closure, story, Feb. 11.

Zlata Campara, owner of the Palm Harbor assisted living facility Long Shadow Inn, is apparently in denial about the state's decision to temporarily close her facility. The Long Shadow Inn's inability to carry out a successful fire drill has nothing whatsoever to do with an alleged personal grudge by Kathleen Johnson, a volunteer ombudsman with the state Department of Elder Affairs.

Furthermore, if Long Shadow had nothing to hide, it really wouldn't matter how often Johnson visited. As the story stated, the facility was quick to correct any problems sighted - although only to have them resurface once again. Now surely that is no fault of anyone other than those who run the facility.

The family and loved ones of those at the Long Shadow should be pleased that such discrepancies have come to light before anyone is harmed. At $1,650 per month, Long Shadow Inn's residents deserve not only the utmost in health care, but also the opportunity to reside in a safe haven that complies with the laws.

Story was an insult to man's memory

Re: Skater killed crossing highway, story, Feb. 9.

I find it appalling that this newspaper used an old mug shot and printed such a negative article that included an unfortunate past incident in which John O'Donnell was involved. What did that have to do with the fact that Mr. O'Donnell was killed crossing the road? Did you think he needed to be tried postmortem in the newspaper for the 2004 incident?

The very last paragraph of this article states, "A judge later dismissed the charges," so why even bring it up? This entire article made Mr. O'Donnell out to be some kind of criminal monster when, in fact, he was a kind, warm, caring person with a loving family and many, many friends who mourn him. This article was classless, tasteless, vindictive and cruel. Staff writer Jacob Fries and the St. Petersburg Times owe Mr. O'Donnell's family and friends an apology. Shame on you.

Restaurants weren't to blame for deaths

Re: Twins' parents settle lawsuits against restaurants, story, Feb. 4.

My heart goes out to the parents who lost their twins; however, these two adults were one day short of turning 21 when they chose to drink and drive. One day, not a year or two years. These restaurants probably did the same thing any other establishment would have done: said, in a few hours, you are legal. If by then, you do not have adult judgment, when will you have it?

People need to stop trying to blame others for bad personal decisions. I, for one, believe that is a parent's first responsibility: to teach your children that you alone are responsible for your actions regardless of your age.

These lawsuits are ruining this country and only padding the pockets of attorneys. Shame on you for suing the restaurants when your adult children made the mistake.

Pinellas Folk Festival was delightful

Re: The Pinellas Folk Festival.

We would like to thank and congratulate all who had a part in making this production possible. This event enabled us to enjoy real experiences of the wonderful artistry of Floridians. The only improvement we could suggest is another shuttle bus.

This experience will bring us back to Heritage Village again and again even when no events are scheduled. We appreciated the forethought of having a couple of entertainers who entertained people as they waited in line for the return trip to the parking area.

[Last modified February 14, 2006, 02:45:31]