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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Get serious about cleaning up bayou

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published July 22, 2007

Massive cleanup, personal cost July 15, story

Congratulations to Kurt Zuelsdorf on receiving the Spirit of Gulfport Award as announced in Neighborhood Times. His leadership in recent cleanup efforts at Clam Bayou, and his outstanding work in bringing attention to the problems of Clam Bayou, make him an ideal recipient of the award.

Unfortunately, people from Gulfport and its environs have been "cleaning up" Clam Bayou for many years, only to witness tons of disgusting litter reappear every time it rains in St. Petersburg. Some of us in Gulfport have been working on the problem since before 1995 when Swiftmud produced a grand plan to stop the despoilment of Clam Bayou and to restore the bayou to its former state as a thriving wildlife sanctuary and natural fish hatchery.

Plans are in place, funding is available and yet virtually nothing has been done to stop the trash flow for the past 12 years. The bayou's sandy bottom has been covered with a 7-foot layer of toxic muck and trash.

Kurt and many other activists are putting up a brave fight to keep the bayou somewhat viable while we wait for the inconsistent efforts of the two cities involved to take the long-planned steps to stop the flow of trash into the bayou (and Boca Ciega Bay beyond).

Right now, we need to find financial support for Kurt's cleanup efforts, and at the same time we need to continue to encourage the cities of St. Petersburg and Gulfport, as well as Swiftmud, to put their long-approved and funded plans into immediate action.

Robert and Beverly Newcomb, participants, Gulfport Water Watch, Gulfport

Dump ditches for safety 

Mower accident kills worker July 10, story

The St. Petersburg City Council should give serious consideration to eliminating the dangerous and unsightly drainage ditches in the city. The death of Osby Green, the city employee who lost his life attempting to mow close to the drainage ditch at 53rd Street N and Burlington Avenue, should not have happened.

Installing pipe and underground storage, covered with attractive landscaping, is the only way to go for health, safety and aesthetic reasons.

Gerald Ramsberger, St. Petersburg

Honesty brightens visit

During my first visit to your beautiful beaches recently, I accidently left my wallet at a beachfront snack bar. Within the hour, "BJ" of the Seaside Grill phoned to notify me that a patron found the wallet and left it with him.

I wish to thank that good Samaritan for returning my wallet, contents intact, and to "BJ" for his help. The honesty displayed by these individuals is refreshing and much appreciated. My first visit to St. Pete Beach will be remembered as my best!

Mike Stockdale, Tallahassee

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[Last modified July 21, 2007, 23:37:06]