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Rise up against sinking boats

Sunken and abandoned boats

I am amazed at how lax Florida is in protecting our environment. There should be a fine per hour for any boat with an engine on it that sinks into our beautiful ocean. The leaking oil and gas are polluting our waters. The boats are also ugly.

We keep talking about this problem but never really do anything about it.

Vici Prescott, Tierra Verde

He cared about animals, people

I recently found out that one of my dearest friends passed away. His life was so much more than his obituary for the community he left behind. Dr. Charles "Doc" Murphy did so much for so many.

When I was a child and my family had no money, he cared for my pets free of charge at his veterinary clinic, Lake Seminole Animal Hospital. He was the father figure in my life, and his importance and what he did for me can never be expressed in words. I knew him since I was in the first grade and I am now 50. His kindness and compassion for animals in distress never wavered. His love, care and devotion to his son, who predeceased him, was an inspiration to many. His tender care for his wife, Janet, who also passed away some years ago from a particularly painful illness, was a lesson in love for all who knew him.

In a world filled with strife and families falling apart, one only need look to Charlie for a reminder of what could be. His life is an example of goodness. We will miss you so much. Goodbye, "Doc."

Rebecca Matta, Melrose

Motorcyclists aren't so special

I don't get this new saying going around, "Watch out for motorcycles." Shouldn't we drivers be watching out for not only motorcycles but for pedestrians, animals, children and, of course, other cars? And shouldn't they be watching out for us as well? I don't see bumper stickers on the motorcycles that say, "Watch out for cars."

What's so special about motorcycles that their riders feel they need their own bumper sticker and a billboard on Seminole Boulevard?

Besides, when I do "watch out for them" all I see are awful riders on their motorcycles, speeding, cutting through traffic and, the other day, popping a "wheelie" on Bryan Dairy Road. So tell me, motorcycle riders, what exactly am I supposed to be watching out for?

Belinda Blease, Largo

VA hospital deserves applause

Excellent care at Bay Pines VA Medical Center is the reason I am able to write this thankful letter. My wife called 911 because of my irregular, rapid heartbeat and chest pain. The Pinellas Park EMTs were fantastic. I was at the VA emergency room in no time, was immediately seen, and within four hours I was comfortably in my own bed in the telemetry unit. My care was a 10 on a scale of 1-10 (and my wife is a retired registered nurse and a tough evaluator).

Bay Pines was immaculate, and the staff friendly and caring. I was happily home in three days. During my stay, Dr. Sanja Barrie cared for me and always had time to explain what was going on.

I want to acknowledge the fantastic job the VA system in St. Petersburg is doing.

Norman C. Doucette, Pinellas Park

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[Last modified November 8, 2006, 07:18:48]