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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Fireworks fans sidestep the law

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published July 8, 2007

The personal detonation of fireworks is prohibited by law in the state of Florida except for agricultural purposes, but every year at this time, thousands of Pinellas County residents violate this law. Overwhelmed by the impossibility of charging every violator, the police turn a blind eye to the violations.

Why does this happen? Persons purchasing fireworks routinely falsify affidavits indicating that the fireworks are for agricultural use, but according to the Clearwater police, the real blame for this mockery of the law rests squarely on the Pinellas County commissioners, who allow the retail sale of fireworks in this county.

My wife was subjected to a sustained barrage of fireworks while walking our dog on a leash on north Clearwater Beach. There was no escape from the bombardment. Our terrified dog went ballistic. My wife's back has been injured, and my normally agile dog is now limping around.

I have asked the governor's office to intervene and force the Pinellas County commissioners to act responsibly on this matter. Commissioners, please do the right thing!

Incidentally, I have no complaints against legal public fireworks displays, since I can plan to avoid them.

Brad Yourth, Clearwater

Let's enforce our fireworks laws

I heard on the news a few days ago that fireworks are illegal in Pinellas County. Could someone tell me why a large tent is erected every year in the parking lot of the Albertsons on East Bay Drive in Largo and fireworks are sold for a few weeks, until the Fourth of July?

Also, why do I have to listen to continuous fireworks being set off on 69th Street near my home from 9 p.m. until almost midnight?

As a veteran, I can understand celebrating this great holiday, but talk about overkill! If they are so illegal, where are the law enforcement officers? Does anyone know the answers?

Raymond Lynch, Clearwater

July 4 display was something to see

My compliments to the city of Clearwater regarding the superb Independence Day fireworks display! The display lasted nearly 30 minutes, and it was one of the best aerial displays I have witnessed from my perspective at the Clearwater Yacht Club docks.

I understand that there are much-needed budget cuts, and I wish they were not at the cost of citizens' losing their jobs. However, in the event that the city cannot find funds to continue this American tradition of patriotism, I sincerely hope that there are potential benefactors who will step up to the plate and help subsidize this expense.

After all, the U.S.A. is still the greatest free nation, and we need to continue to celebrate our country's birthday. I wish all of our military troops would have had the chance to see this.

Linda Struble, Palm Harbor

Re: Gentry to leave after term story, June 20

Mandujano isn't qualified for post

While I was disappointed to read that Largo City Commissioner Gay Gentry will not seek re-election, I was even more disappointed that John Mandujano appears to be positioning himself to run for the commission seat because of past divisiveness.

The article doesn't mention any credentials Mandujano brings to the race, other than his Largo residency and his habit of watching commission meetings on TV.

I think Largo needs to do better than someone trying to use the Stanton saga to nab a seat on a commission he clearly isn't qualified for.

Michelle Keller, Largo

[Last modified July 7, 2007, 22:07:17]