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Looks do matter, even on city roads

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published February 21, 2007

Re: Goodbye Florida, hello cheaper life Feb. 15 letter

I read a letter in your paper about a couple who had lived in the Clearwater area for some time. The rising cost of living forced them to move.

In the letter, they explained house prices, taxes, insurance and the general appearance of Clearwater led to their relocation.

They moved to North Carolina, where they purchased a home with twice the square footage for the same money as their Florida home. Also, North Carolina schools are ranked high in the country, whereas Florida schools rank about the same as Iraq.

The letter also mentioned something unavoidably noticeable: the roads and litter situation. For example, Main Street from U.S. 19 in Dunedin is blanketed with trash. Side roads share the same condition.

Another thing I have observed in Clearwater and Dunedin is the lines - or lack thereof - on the roads. You are hard-pressed to find dividing lines on some of the roads.

When the tourists come to our city, will they return again? When they see our roads littered and our streets unpaved? Why would they want to vacation in a city that has degenerated as much as their own hometown?

Gary Galbraith, Dunedin

Re: City haunts creepy store Feb. 18 story

Can't city, store just get along?

As both a devotee of the horror genre and one who was raised in Florida, the tourist capital of the world, I was very intrigued with your article, which chronicled the plight of Helene Urbin to pursue her dream of establishing a delightfully imaginative retail shop/tourist destination.

The article seemed well-balanced, not making shadowy specters of either Ms. Urbin or Michael Staffopoulos, the Largo director of Community Development.

While the situation can be likened to David vs. Goliath, it is my hope that both parties will maintain friendly relationships as they work together in making the grand opening of Castel Bantuit the ultimate goal.

On the one hand, an enterprising woman, exercising her right to pursue happiness, is starting her own business to serve a population interested and intrigued with haunted house attractions and horror-inspired films, literature and art. On the other hand, a city worker is presumably looking out for the physical safety of future patrons.

As a simple taxpayer largely unfamiliar with the intricacies of city codes and ordinances, I spent time on Sunday visiting the location in hopes of understanding what Mr. Staffopoulos' complaints were. The article made reference to "an elaborate wall mural" that "did not meet city code." I was a first-hand witness, as were several other groups of people who stopped to take pictures of the vilified mural and the Castel itself. We all found the painting to be terrifically well-executed, and very complementary to the theme of the attraction.

Castel Bantuit hasn't yet opened, yet there were many cars that stopped by, curious about the prospect of experiencing such a concept. All of us who came out and patronized the location were delighted with the fun props: 12-foot gargoyles, an old hearse and wonderful hand-painted props standing in the windows. It was a celebration of imagination, and something people who deeply appreciate creativity are looking forward to.

If some of the negative attitude toward this business stems from the fact that the subject matter is, admittedly, "dark," I'd like to remind my fellow citizens that this is still a free country, and some of the populace prefer their entertainment and culture slightly more mysterious than tap-dancing penguins, Hilary Duff and the Disney Channel.

Another thing I'd like to point out is that Missouri Avenue isn't exactly Park Place. We noted countless properties in a far worse state than Castel Bantuit, which is still a work-in-progress.

Has the city of Largo ever considered that once built, Castel Bantuit will serve the community perhaps as a destination that may attract fans of the fantastic genres (horror/sci-fi/fantasy) from all over the world? In addition, it would employ local citizens, some of whom likely will be artists, sculptors and authors; possibly serve as a venue to exhibit independent films; and would be the ultimate location for creative types to meet and collaborate.

It is Ms. Urbin's responsibility to construct the building to code, but I would hope the city representatives are working with this entrepreneur in a cooperative, not harassing, manner. As American citizens and taxpayers, it is our civic duty to encourage the success of business owners, especially such a daring and unique concept as Castel Bantuit.

Andy Lalino, Clearwater

Dog owners, pick up after your pets

There is a specific area along Countryside Boulevard near the intersection of Curlew Road (the east side of Countyside) where there is always a lot of dog litter because people walk their dogs in this grassy area and do not pick up. Could signs be posted there advising these folks to pick up after their dogs?

Bill Edwards, Clearwater

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified February 21, 2007, 07:45:14]