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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Entertainment complex will get no more chances

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published August 5, 2007

BayWalk safety

On July 27, a Friday night, I went to a 10 p.m. showing of Sunshine to avoid the protesters and the crowds at BayWalk. I left the movie at midnight. I had no date with me because I have not been comfortable taking a lady to that area at night.

As I came near exiting the BayWalk concourse, I sensed a general discontent ahead of me and stopped to observe milling masses of minors congesting the normal protester spot, the crosswalk, and the area across the street toward the parking garage.

I saw a rush of six or more kids from within the concourse behind me. I moved out of the way and fell as I tried to get against the ATM for protection from another group of five-plus young black men as they rushed to the scene of one of several fights.

When I finally decided the area was secure and the peace officers had established some control, I went to the fourth floor of the parking garage to get my car. As I sat in the car checking the area before I backed out, I could see and hear a young black man leaning over the garage wall directing gremlins away from cops on the streets below.

I had also noticed several young black men lurking near the elevator area on the first floor and changing from red shirts to white shirts, apparently to avoid identification.

BayWalk, forget it. That is strike three. We will go someplace else, day or night.

John McNamara, St. Petersburg

Archibald Park

Preserve park's beauty

I'm writing to express my concern over the fate of Archibald Park on Madeira Beach. I grew up next door, on Redington Beach, and although I have been in California for many years, memories of my simple, carefree life on those glorious natural beaches remain crystal clear to me.

That was in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Now I am 63 and have been back in Florida for four years. I still love to be simple, but am so much wiser - wise enough, sadly, to see and understand that Florida has been exploited for years by "bottom line" businesses and developers, sometimes enabled by government officials. In many cases, they make their money and run, leaving the Everglades, our gorgeous beaches, waterways and interior wetlands unsightly, overdeveloped and unhealthy for future generations of people and wildlife.

So, simply stated, Archibald Park is a gem, a very precious gem, to be treasured and protected because it is a "common-sense" tiny oasis surrounded and crowded by flagrant development that restricts public access and enjoyment of the beach.

Archibald Park needs to remain as it was meant to be when it was generously deeded to the city by Albert Archibald and David Welch - a commerce-free stretch of Madeira Beach, a respite for people who carry their own beach chairs, and who don't need or want to see another food and souvenir concession on the beach.

Shame on you, past and current Madeira Beach officials, for your obvious neglect when it comes to long-range development planning for your lovely city and your apparent disregard in taking responsibility for the city's important ongoing stewardship of Archibald Park.

I urge you to restrict commercial and concession business at Archibald Park in perpetuity. What a meaningful legacy to leave for future generations to enjoy!

Please honor the original warranty deeds as they were intended.

Susan Brown Marks, Sanibel

Bus drivers' seats unfilled July 29, story

Lift up our youth

This article was in reference to school bus drivers. I have worked for Pinellas County Schools for almost 14 years now. Ten years of that has been with the transportation department. I drove a school bus for four years, and I can tell you that in that time I met some really outstanding young people, all with different interests and different approaches to life.

I can also tell you I loved being able to participate in the education of the students of Pinellas County. School bus drivers open the doors for the teachers to open the windows of education. I want to say I am proud to have been part of that very important team.

It is unfortunate the news media portray our youth so negatively. We transport some 45,000 students twice daily. Maybe 2 percent we work a little harder with to gain respect, but once that respect is gained it is given. I found the article insulting and degrading to students in general. Additionally we are one of the highest-paying districts in the state, I believe. With drivers who have a history of 20 years of contributing to students' highest achievement, it is a shame that such a powerful newspaper doesn't help instead of discourage.

We have worked diligently as a department and have made great strides in building character for all students who board our buses. Transportation played an important part in this district being awarded the National District of Character Award. We have been given a grant from the University of South Florida for our work in positive behavior support. A "Safety Bus" is being created and hopefully will roll out in the fall to teach safety. We are involved in the local Touch a Truck and other worthwhile activities. It is amazing to me those things and the wonderful things about our children are not published as well.

If you tell children enough times they are bad, they will be. Children live what they learn. Try doing and saying some positive things about how hard we work as a district and how our children are growing in character. The only reason I can see for not doing that is the lack of interest in the good in life. That is a shame.

Brenda Lewis, Largo

Honesty brightens visit July 22, letter

Happy tale brings smile

A warm smile crossed my face when I read about the safe return of a first-time visitor's wallet at the Seaside Grill. I'm very lucky to know the couple who run it. Bernie and Debbie Johnson are some of the most generous, hard-working people I've ever met.

It's nice to know that their staff and customers share in their kindness and honesty.

Kathy Johns, St. Petersburg

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[Last modified August 4, 2007, 22:21:07]