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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Park should take care of its rat problem, camp store

By Letters To the Editor
Published November 4, 2007

Fort De Soto Park

We are very lucky to have such a beautiful place to camp within a short drive. The price is kind of high and the fact that you have to pay for a two-night minimum can make it pricey. Spending time with your family in an outdoor environment is priceless. It is very nice that the park has upgraded the electrical for the folks who have RVs, but what about us folks who use a tent?

The biggest thing that they could do would be to take care of the rat problem. It is gross. We were sitting talking one night and watched a rat climb down the palm tree in our site, run across our friend's foot and up the next tree. This thing was huge, and well fed. You can see them running through the trees. I did notice a stray cat, so I guess that is their idea of taking care of the problem.

Do you know anything about the proposed new camp store or restaurant, or was all that just talk? That run-down trailer they call a camp store is a disgrace. For as much as we pay to use this campground, we really desire a new camp store.

Patti Rooks, Clearwater

Public events at Vinoy and Coachman parks

Allow personal water supply

Other than to force people to buy water and add to the plastics pandemic, or go thirsty, is there a reason for not allowing people to bring water to these events? To invoke concerns of security over the basic need for hydration is as ludicrous as banning shoes. Who knows what may be hidden in the soles or heels! Water is a basic need, as opposed to alcohol or soft drinks.

A. O'Keefe, St. Petersburg

Proper gratuities

A tip: Show servers some love

It has come to my attention that too many people who go out and eat at a restaurant do not want to tip the server, or if they do tip, it's not much. You cannot expect the very best service if you are not going to compensate the servers properly.

They are there to make your experience a pleasurable one. You chose to go out and eat, so you have to include gratuity in your meal expenses.

The majority of servers are pursuing higher education or supplementing their income to make ends meet. They work hard for these "tips."

If you cannot afford a 20 percent tip, then stay home or go to your local drive-through.

Remember: You get what you pay for.

Kathleen A. Getz, St. Petersburg

Bikes

Want to ride? Pay the price

I have no objections to cyclists sharing the road with vehicles. But in all fairness, shouldn't they have to pay for registrations and tags and insurance like the rest of us do for the privilege of driving on our roads?

Most bike riders I've encountered do not obey the rules of the road. I think if they had to pay for registrations and insurance like vehicle and motorcycle users, they would think twice about all the complaints they seem to be making about fairness and the driving habits of others. Vehicle and motorcycle drivers encounter rudeness on the roads, too, at times, and not just from other cars, trucks or motorcycles.

Sherry Gallagher, St. Petersburg

Share your views

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[Last modified November 3, 2007, 22:31:59]