What else did library expect?
Letters to the EditorPublished August 11, 2006
Re: Library tries to police patrons, story, Aug. 8.
I had to chuckle when I read that the Largo Library was now proposing to finance security guards to monitor unruly behavior.
This is the kind of thing that happens when you turn a moderately used public library into a coffee house, restaurant and nightclub to try and lure patrons to justify building the overpriced eyesore.
The planners obviously wanted to take a simple concept of a library, where you are supposed to check out books, do research and leave, into a place to hang out.
Maybe they could hire a bouncer and bartender next?
Michelle Keller, Largo
Purple Heart Memorial next for Dunedin?
I would like to thank Mayor Bob Hackworth for inviting me to the Dunedin City Commission meeting Aug. 3 for the ceremony naming Dunedin the first Purple Heart City in the United States.
All of our veterans have played a critically important role in preserving our First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, right to assemble and petition, especially those receiving a Purple Heart. The Purple Heart medal is given to military personnel who have been wounded in combat.
To commemorate this occasion, the United States Postal Service, represented by postmaster Allene Doggett, presented a framed poster of the Purple Heart Commemorative Stamp to the city and the national commander.
Commander Danny Sowder of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a Dunedin resident, is to be complimented on coming up with this great idea. He suggested it to Commissioner Dave Eggers, who placed it on the City Commission agenda with the unanimous consent of the commission.
As a veteran who was never wounded, I have a special warm feeling, concern and appreciation for the sacrifice made by those who have been wounded or killed while preserving our freedoms.
Commander Jim Randles of the National Military Order of the Purple Heart indicated they have designed a special memorial monument for recognition of Purple Heart recipients. As a followup of this award to Dunedin, I plan to speak to the leadership in the Legislature and other people and organizations to see if we can raise enough funds to acquire a Purple Heart Memorial for Dunedin.
Rep. Tom Anderson, District 45, Dunedin
'Angels in blue' quelled her fears
God bless our "angels in blue." They are our Clearwater police. They put their lives on the line every day for us, and most of us don't appreciate it. We say, "Well, it's their job."
I've always respected them, but the other night after someone tried to break into my house, I called 911 and they put me in contact with our angels in blue. The one who took my call was "angel" Officer Amber Meagher. She kept me on the line and told me officers were on their way but not to open the door until she told me to.
My two angels in blue were at my front door within five minutes when someone knocked on my door and said, "Margaret, are you okay?" I recognized his voice, opened my door and there stood my two angels: Cpl. Rich Nester and Officer Todd Turpeck. All I could do was cry and hug Rich, as I've known him for years.
He said, "Margaret, I've got to get back on the road, but I don't want to leave you by yourself when you're so upset." So he went next door and asked my neighbor if she could come over and sit with me for a while until my nerves had settled down. She and her husband came over and stayed until 2:30 a.m.
Chief Sid Klein, thank you for having the nice group of men and women working for you. It takes a good boss to have a good group of people working for him. My children and grandchildren greatly appreciate all of you looking out for me. Thanks again, Officer Meagher, Cpl. Nester and Officer Turpeck, my angels in blue. God bless and keep all of you safe.
Margaret Jetton, Clearwater
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