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Sinking our money into marina deal is misguided

Re: Pinellas strikes $12-million deal for marina, story, March 24.

The Pinellas County Commission just doesn't get it. In defense of the $12-million contract to purchase 5.5 acres for a public marina on the Anclote River in Tarpon Springs, Commissioner Karen Seel states it is time for action to ensure public access to open water. She further states, "With the loss of resources for the boating community and those who use the waterfront, it's appropriate."

Hold on, Karen. What is inappropriate here is the misguided values that the Pinellas County Commission places in supporting the idea that the general public needs to finance a public marina at all. This is a blatant misuse of public monies. If the general public allows this deal to go through, then it is entirely possible that the next item on the county agenda might be a publicly funded luge run for the very rich!

Has it dawned on anyone that marinas ought to be owned and operated privately? Let the marketplace sort out the problem of fewer marinas because of competition for land by condominium developers. Please do not demean the general public by raiding the public till for a misplaced priority that amounts to a handout for a very narrow special interest group.

What happened to the boat ramp idea at the Stauffer chemical plant site that is a toxic cleanup candidate? That is a much simpler idea than a full-blown marina. Who knows, if the ramp at the Stauffer site were built, it might even be a "glowing" experience.

Clearwater fire department provides valuable service

We would like to express our appreciation to Clearwater Fire and Rescue. We are the couple you featured in the Clearwater Times who received the smoke alarm on Valentine's Day.

Our situation began, as you said, because there was a fire in our neighborhood. We realized how truly unprepared we were if a fire occurred in our home. My husband is deaf, so a regular smoke alarm will not work for us. After some research, we found that alarms with flashing lights are very expensive.

Ever since we contacted the fire department for information, they have been extremely helpful - above and beyond anything we expected. To say thank you doesn't seem enough to truly express our gratitude!

Through this process, it is nice to learn that Clearwater Fire and Rescue provides this service not only for the hearing impaired, but also for the hearing. We would strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this amazing opportunity to keep you and your family safe.

The vision of the house fire near us is one that we will never forget. Because of the service provided, hopefully fewer people will have to face such a devastating experience.

Times story on tot's drowning was trashy and shameful

Re: Toddler drowns in pool at home, story, March 23.

I am disgusted and outraged at your decision to print the article regarding the tragic drowning of little Lacey Lynn Jones. Her death was terrible and the events of it alone were newsworthy. The other information printed was neither newsworthy nor relevant. It was the type of sensationalistic gossip that I would expect from a tabloid magazine.

There was nothing of value added to the story by printing irrelevant, private, sensitive information about a grieving family that has given so much to this community. The insensitivity and poor judgment you displayed in allowing this to be printed are shameful.

More newsworthy might be the fact that Lacey's grandmother, Lynn Montgomery, has been an elementary school teacher in this area for 30 years. She has touched the lives of at least 600 children in our community.

People at every ball field, in churches, parks, grocery stores and across all racial and socioeconomic lines in North Pinellas heard about her horrible loss and grieved with her. Because she is known and loved by so many in this community for all she has done for our children, they grieved with her, and they expressed their disgust at your insensitive reporting of a tragedy that has touched so many.

You couldn't even spell little Lacey's name right. Shame on you. You owe an apology to them and the community, which expects more from you than this type of sensationalistic, tabloid-trash journalism. From now on if I want to read nonnewsworthy and irrelevant gossip I will pick up a tabloid. If I want to read the news I'll grab the Tampa Tribune.

[Last modified March 31, 2006, 01:09:18]