Today's Letters: Towing will chase people away

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published October 24, 2007

A call for noisy bar to exit the stage Oct. 20, Barbara Fredricksen column

I don't understand why a business owner in downtown New Port Richey would do so much to chase patrons away. Blaring obscene lyrics over very loud speaker systems to where there are decent people and families with children is just wrong. It is not, I think, the desired image that the leaders, citizens, and visitors to our fine city want.

This is not my first complaint about the Karl Reef. The owner also tries to chase away patrons of Juan's Black Bean Cafe. Mr. DeSosa's purchase of the failed Skirts restaurant was a joy to his many fans who had missed him and his fabulous home-cooked Cuban food. His new restaurant has longer hours, an expanded menu, beer and wine, beautiful decor, outdoor seating, and live music.

The problem is cars are towed from the lot that the two businesses share. When I first saw the signs warning that cars parked in the lot would be towed, I assumed it meant the cars parked on the Karl Reef side of the lot. But, no, vehicles parked on the side that borders right up to Juan's, are towed, even on slow days.

Why would any downtown business person not be cheering and applauding that someone is working to bring some life and spirt back into downtown?

Maybe Ms. Fredricksen is right and it is time for this business to exit the stage.

Gerri Kostinko, New Port Richey

Deputies hear why cat hit with hammer Oct. 19, story

Feral cats pose real threat to kids

Releasing neutered cats back into the neighborhood, where they often are fed by well-intentioned individuals, is both dangerous and irresponsible.

The man in Hudson who killed a feral cat in his yard certainly needs to be held accountable for his violent action, but his concerns for his children are real.

Neighbor Diane Yensco hopefully will understand the danger she puts young children in by feeding these animals. My grandniece, age 6, is now legally blind and has calcium deposits in her brain as the result of exposure to an infectious agent carried by cat feces. Ms. Yensco's good intentions present a similar, serious threat to her neighbor's foster children and others in the neighborhood.

The county, citizens and animal support groups must be responsible as to how they deal with stray animal populations. Otherwise, innocent children well become victims.

Fred Dunlop, Port Richey

Help bus drivers do jobs safely

As we celebrate National School Bus Safety Week, I would like to recognize the hard work and tremendous efforts of our school bus drivers.

With more than 36,750 students transported daily, Pasco County is the 40th-largest provider of school transportation services in the nation.

Last year, Pasco County school buses traveled 7,468,871 miles as they safely transported our students to and from school. The ultimate multi-tasker, a school bus driver must maintain control of students while abiding by all traffic rules and safety regulations.

Our community is fortunate to have a team of such highly skilled professionals working with our children.

I'd also like to remind all motorists to use safety precautions around bus stops and school zones. Please pay careful attention to the flashing lights that indicate you are traveling in a school zone and look for the stopping arms as you approach our buses; as they signify that children are attempting to safely enter or exit the bus.

With continued patience and a heightened state of awareness, we can ensure the continued safety of all students.

Heather Fiorentino, superintendent, Pasco Schools

[Last modified October 23, 2007, 20:49:34]