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Loud, unruly teens ruin BayWalk experience, 12/31

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published December 31, 2006

On Christmas evening I decided to go to the movies at BayWalk. A couple of hours later when I emerged, I saw literally hundreds of teenagers, not only in the theater lobby but in the food court and the surrounding shops.

I had never seen that many children unchaperoned in one place in my life. They were loud, cursing and rowdy. How can the city of St. Petersburg allow parents to continue to use BayWalk as a babysitting service? Make those parents take responsibility. I understand that the kids are out during the Christmas break, but it's inexcusable what the parents are doing.

Here's a novel idea: How about accompanying your children to the movies instead of dropping them off and letting them run wild? It was like visiting the safari at Busch Gardens. I feel that no child under the age of 15 should be allowed at BayWalk unless accompanied by an adult (21 or over). I would like to enjoy a nice outing at BayWalk without worrying if I'll get caught up in a fight with a bunch of rowdy teenagers. That's my pursuit of happiness.

Antionette Harris, St. Petersburg

Tavern chatter, music upset landlord Dec. 17, story

Tavern is a nuisance

I have known Debra Disch for many years and know what a smart businesswoman she is. She is also quite generous to all the less fortunate people who frequent the area. She has had this as her home and place of business for 25 years and has had to deal with a lot of other business people as well without all this conflict. It used to be that a handshake or a man's word was good enough, but not anymore.

Tavern owner Dan Soronen did not keep his word that his new business would not affect the neighbors. He assured Ms. Disch that her tenants would not be disrespected and bothered. I have been at Ms. Disch's home at 10 p.m., and the music was extremely loud. It was more than acoustic and every window and door of the tavern was propped open. A guy was taking a leak in the bushes, and two other people were arguing loudly over a parking spot.

There's definitely more to this story. These people moved their business into this nice little neighborhood to make a nice profit off the new young upscale crowd. Well, you can thank Ms. Disch for getting that neighborhood cleaned up, but now they are not welcoming her into her own space. Her tenants are her livelihood, and the elderly are now scared to come out after dark. I hope a few lawyers in this town see this article and come to Ms. Disch's defense to help her get some peace and quiet back in her little corner of the world.

Mary Rich, St. Petersburg

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[Last modified December 30, 2006, 22:27:44]