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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: How about trying cameras at park?

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published August 19, 2007

Tuesday night I attended the Clearwater City Council meeting, where a group of residents complained of numerous problems at Crest Lake Park. The suggestion was to increase police patrols, which is a costly solution. The park is highly visible to residents and tourists because of the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard location, and although I am not a resident there, I would support enforcement.

I would like to suggest that the city do a test project there using video surveillance. The cost of wireless cameras has decreased to the point of making them cost effective. Wireless outdoor cameras can be purchased for less than $200.

Along with the cameras, you could post signs stating that the park is under 24-hour video surveillance. This would help deter the illegal acts in the park. You could also have a link on your city Web site for all to watch, giving law enforcement extra eyes. If crimes are committed, you would also have the video evidence.

You might start with eight to 10 cameras for the test, and it could cost under $5,000 for the entire test, much cheaper than an officer on site and a constant deterrent.

I would also like to say the present City Council has done a terrific job listening and acting in the interest of its residents. Keep up the good work.

Mark Blanchard, Clearwater

Food banks see more need, Steinle column, Aug. 12

A good time to help food banks

I was happy to see this column on food shortages in the area.

I think one of the reasons for the shortages is that it's summer and lots of folks are away. We also tend to get wrapped up in our family fun at this time of the year, so it's very easy to forget that others are suffering while we are having a good time with family and friends.

However, summer is a good time to give to the food banks while little ones are visiting, so as to set an example of charity to others for them to emulate when they return to their own homes. I usually do that with my grandson at Christmas, but he was here an extra long while this summer and went with me one day to shop for the food bank. He even donated $19 of his own money, which pleased me very much.

So by example, we can teach our young ones to share, too.

I do hope Diane's column will let folks know how tight things are for many families right now. The shortage seems to be hitting all our local food banks, so we all need to make an extra effort to do just a bit more at this time and also after our vacations are over. For someone to go to bed hungry, while most of us have more than we need, makes no sense.

Fran Glaros-Sharp, 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 August 18, 2007, 22:06:16]