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Parkgoers were put in danger after fireworks

Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs had a beautiful fireworks display for July Fourth, but it was the ensuing fireworks that sparked more than a few nerves.

More than 5,000 people, including my family, became trapped at the beach section of the park for more than two hours when park officials decided to physically clear each of the mainland park shelters before allowing those on the causeway and island to leave following the show.

Reassured it was "just traffic" by calls to the Tarpon Springs Police Department, people got out of their cars to wait. After about an hour of no movement, the heat really began to take its toll as most park visitors had no water left after being at the park all day.

It just went downhill from there. The wait caused some elderly parkgoers to become past due on medication, parents ran out of formula for their screaming babies, and a fight started to brew.

The worst part was that no member of Tarpon's Police Department or any park officials bothered to drive up the causeway to explain the delay. What if that fight had gotten physical? Who would have broken it up? Innocent bystanders? Where were the police?

It was not until 11 p.m. that traffic was permitted to exit the causeway and island. I hope park officials are able to improve on this situation for next year. It was an enjoyable evening up until the conclusion. It was definitely a case of poor planning. Why not let the people who wanted to leave exit first, and then worry about those who didn't?

Amanda Lindquist, Palm Harbor

What's Worth Saving? People's lives

The Times has been soliciting its readers lately for suggestions and ideas about "What's Worth Saving?" locally.

On June 26, when we were asked again, on the same page there was also an article about another mobile home park closing, and a feature concerning guardians ad litem. I would like to suggest that the lives of the elderly, young and poor people discussed in these stories are worth saving.

It seems to me a grave injustice that little thought and no regard is granted to our poor and elderly as they are kicked to the curb like trash by the owners and developers.

Equally appalling are more than 1,800 (in our county alone) children without representation in situations in which they are merely victims - victims of circumstance, victims of a pathetically flawed system and victims of plain old bad luck. When the safety and well-being of this many children in foster care is being neglected, certainly lives are at stake.

What's Worth Saving?

Richard Moore, Largo

Mayor makes Safety Harbor life a pleasure

Re: In Safety Harbor, petition drive aims to recall mayor, story, June 29.

As a 26-year resident of Safety Harbor, I feel qualified to say that Pam Corbino is the best mayor we have ever had. She has made living in this little town a real pleasure. She has given us a beautiful, vital downtown and a stunning Veterans Park at the marina and has repaired our brick streets. We have great parks for our kids and lots of activities and special events.

Best yet, our mayor is approachable. If we in Safety Harbor have a problem, we know we can call Mrs. Corbino for help and she'll listen to us. What more could we want?

I understand Fabian Bloom, a six-year resident of the city, wants Mrs. Corbino removed. He has a tough row to hoe. He would be surprised to know how many people in Safety Harbor feel the way I do and will come out and support our mayor, if need be.

If Mr. Bloom wants a good environment for residents and the new city manager, I suggest he move. One less trouble-monger will make this a better environment. I am sure somewhere he could find a city he liked and a mayor who met his exacting standards. As for the rest of us, we like our city and our mayor!

Frances Hill, Safety Harbor

Mom jogging with stroller shunned safety

Now I have seen everything. As I was on my way home from work June 28, traveling north on S Fort Harrison Avenue (between Belleview Boulevard and Jeffords Street) in Clearwater at around 11:15 a.m., I saw a young woman pushing her little baby in a stroller.

But this was no ordinary stroll. From all appearances, this bold woman likes to live dangerously. She was traveling south (against the traffic) on a little strip of road between the outer white (lane) line and the curb. Also, instead of pushing the stroller at a steady pace, she was jogging and all the while pushing the stroller slightly ahead, then catching up and doing so again, etc., etc.

What in the world could this new mother be thinking? Doesn't she realize that she is endangering the life of her baby, as well as her own? Doesn't she realize that it could all be over in one quick flash, should one distracted driver lose control of his or her vehicle and run right into them? And what is wrong with using the sidewalk?

There ought to be a law against such craziness, if there isn't already.

JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater

Fire at Thunder Ranch is a sad story

Re: Lightning ignites barn, story, July 12.

I realize that a barn burning in Odessa isn't of much interest to anyone in St. Petersburg. But the folks who live in this area and drive on Keystone Road every day were devastated by the destruction of Thunder Ranch. Even though most had never spoken with the owners, we all looked for the horses every time we drove by. This was big news. Our hearts go out to the owners and we wish them a speedy recovery from this disaster.

Selma Pringle, Tarpon Springs

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[Last modified July 14, 2006, 08:46:03]