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Letter to the editor

Leaders see successes, but cuts limit the future

By Times Staff Writers
Published November 18, 2007

CLEARWATER

The beach desperately needs more parking, and at least half a dozen business have closed because of construction on the city's BeachWalk and Cleveland Street makeover projects.

But overall, it's been a successful, albeit challenging, year for Clearwater, city leaders say.

Looking ahead, City Manager Bill Horne says that he expects next year - whether through public referendum or Legislature-driven mandates - cities across Florida will again be forced to cut the property tax revenues they can collect.

This year, the city cut close to $4-million from its budget, eliminated some jobs and services, consolidated the beach library and recreation center, reduced library operating hours and eliminated some landscaping initiatives.

But more cutbacks could be "unavoidable" if on Jan. 29 Florida voters approve proposed expansions of the Save Our Homes tax cap and the state's property tax exemption for homesteads, he warned.

Mayor Frank Hibbard said he, too, was happy with the city's progress, adding, "I don't think you'll see as many large-scale projects going forward. I think we'll refocus a lot of our efforts on neighborhoods, traffic-calming and police protection."

Mike Donila, Times staff writer

Countywide

Three attorneys face sanctions from the Bar

The Florida Supreme Court has disciplined three North Pinellas lawyers for infractions ranging from mysteriously diverting mortgage payments to letting educational credentials lapse.

The court disbarred Richard Joseph Da Fonte of Clearwater, suspended Doreen Goldbronn of Palm Harbor for 60 days and put Maria Teresa Rodriguez of Safety Harbor on probation for 12 months.

According to the Bar:

-Da Fonte was involved in two real estate transactions where money was missing.

-Goldbronn's misguided and unlicensed investment advice caused one of her clients to lose $40,000.

-Rodriguez's 12-month probation for not completing her continuing education requirements extends 24 months of probation she already received because of negligence.

None of the three lawyers returned calls for comment.

Elena Lesley, Times staff writer

Palm Harbor initiative to incorporate takes a step

The idea of incorporating Palm Harbor as its own city got its biggest public hearing yet before the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation on Thursday .

The Greater Palm Harbor Community Coalition, an informal partnership of community groups, submitted a draft feasibility study and an incorporation bill to the delegation at Dunedin's Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center.

Coalition spokesman Jim Kleyman asked legislators to support a bill that would give residents a chance to explore incorporating and then decide at a referendum whether it benefits them.

The delegation's dozen members will vote whether to support the bill Jan. 3.

Theresa Blackwell, Times staff writer

CLEARWATER

Expect A rafter of runners for the trot

The 29th annual St. Petersburg Times Turkey Trot is expected to draw another huge crowd of competitive runners, casual runners and non-runners to Jack White Stadium at Clearwater High School on Thanksgiving Day. The races include the 5K Wingding at 7:30 a.m., the 1-mile Gobbler at 8:30 a.m. and the 10K Turkey Trot at 8:45 a.m.

The last chance to preregister for the race is at the Turkey Trot kickoff party from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the stadium, at the corner of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and Arcturus Avenue.

For information online, go to www.tampabay.com/turkeytrot.

[Last modified November 17, 2007, 21:06:17]