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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Folks should be able to enjoy passion for wildlife

Duck if you feed wild animals Nov. 18, story

I'm saddened, but not the least surprised, that the kind and caring neighbors of Kenneth City have been sold out by their elected officials, save one.

I can't imagine finding out that my hobby, my passion, is now illegal. Wildlife is my fun. Watching the animals in my yard, getting to know their habits and personalities, is how I relax, unwind and forget the stress of life for a few minutes. Muscovies are the funniest and most fun to watch and enjoy.

The cost of purchasing and maintaining a home should afford you a peaceful place to pursue your passion, be it painting, fishing, sewing or whatever.

Caring for and enjoying the company of wildlife, as we continue to pave over the globe, is a passion for many kind-hearted folks.

The gentle and caring neighbors of Kenneth City will make a statement on the next election day and hopefully start to remedy their problem. They should know that many in surrounding communities are behind them 100 percent.

T.E. Brown, St. Petersburg

Duck if you feed wild animals Nov. 18

Muscovies not 'wildlife'

The supporters of feeding the Muscovy ducks may continue to toss Wonder Bread to their feathered friends because the Kenneth City town attorney failed to do his research.

Click onto the Web site of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where it talks about Muscovy ducks: "Because these birds originated in Florida from domestic stock, they are not considered 'wildlife.'" Just ask the FWC if they will remove Muscovies for you, and you will get this answer.

So if the Town Council wishes to ban the feeding of Muscovy ducks, it seems the wording of the ordinance must be changed!

We support an ordinance to ban feeding these destructive pests, as well as an ordinance to remove the long-winded town attorney!

Mr. and Mrs. Russ Koerner, Kenneth City

Regulate older drivers Nov. 14, letter

Drivers need patience

As a senior automobile driver, I find this letter very one-sided.

The first thing you are taught as a new driver is to drive defensively. Every day we all experience drivers of one sort or another who we feel should not be on the road. For example, the young adults in the left-turn lane who are so busy on the cell phone texting that they do not proceed when the light turns green.

Then there are the young adults in their SUVs who drive like they are on the Indy racetrack, weaving in and out between lanes and tailgating until you think they want a ride in your trunk, even though you may be going the speed limit or a few miles over it. This vision looming in your rearview mirror may cause a few seniors to slow down, hoping the idiot will get in the other lane and away from them.

What everyone who drives must realize is that you must have patience when you get behind the wheel of your vehicle. I have driven all over this country in the past 17 years and, without a doubt, the drivers in this bay area are the worst anywhere.

Perhaps we all need to leave home a little earlier and then drive at a sane speed and defensively to our destinations, which will reduce the number of accidents and save more lives.

Georgia N. Pettibone, Clearwater

Regulate older drivers Nov. 14, letter

Regulate, yes. But whom?

I agree 100 percent that there are those on the roads of Pinellas County and elsewhere who have no business operating a vehicle. It is a lethal weapon, to say the least.

However, I think this letter writer needs to check traffic accident statistics. It is easy to do online. If she has a houseful of teenagers, she probably won't like what she discovers.

C.O. Wells, Clearwater

Slips endanger bayou

Big Bayou is a unique and valuable asset for Pinellas County. It is a clean, living bayou integral to the well-being of Tampa Bay.

It serves as a habitat for rich and diverse life. Rare sea grass, marine mammals, fish, aquatic animals and birds thrive in and around the bayou.

The construction of 60 boat slips by Prospect-Marathon Coquina LLC will put this natural, urban aquatic preserve at serious risk.

Also, as owners of a home in Tropical Shores for 15 years, my husband and I do not want the noise and boat traffic that will ultimately come with this development. Big Bayou is directly in our back yard, and our quiet, serene neighbor will be forever lost.

We need the assistance and support of Gov. Charlie Crist to prevent Big Bayou from being developed.

Sharon Davie, St. Petersburg

Patrons mar concert

It was my immense pleasure to attend the professionally conducted Pinellas County Schools and Pinellas County Music Educators Association's presentation, "All County Music Concert," on Nov. 13.

I was there to support my grandson, Kenneth Shelby, and found myself in receipt of an extraordinary treat. Ruth Eckerd Hall was filled. The performance, selection of pieces, variety and skill of all involved were of the highest caliber. I thank all who contributed to this great event, including those who voted for the referendum that helps to fund the county's extraordinary music program.

It was a disappointment to observe the lack of respect shown these talented young people and adults who put so much of their energy, time, hearts and souls into the event. Patrons talked, took photographs, took out cell phones and moved in and out during performances.

The ushers near me seemed of little help, allowing people to enter by crawling over seated patrons during the pieces and doing little or nothing to stop those taking photographs or handling cell phones.

The ushers were likely volunteers, and I thank them for their time; I do hope that they can receive better training or leadership before next year's event. For those who missed this truly inspiring event, it will be aired numerous times on Channel 14.

Nancy Tait, St. Petersburg

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[Last modified November 24, 2007, 20:36:07]