Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Todays Letters: Concrete balls are a huge waste

By Letter to the Editor
Published December 5, 2007

Re: Big, round and mysterious story, Nov. 30

They are big and round, but not mysterious. Those 2,000-pound balls are a huge waste of taxpayer dollars.

In reference to the twelve 2,000-pound concrete balls that occupy the medians in Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater, people have been asking, "What are those concrete balls in the middle of the street?" City officials hoped to stir civic pride with their $10-million makeover of Cleveland Street.

However, by placing these balls in the center of the street, our elected politicians have once again demonstrated their fiscal irresponsibility with our tax dollars. This is just another example of the outrageous misuse of taxpayers' money.

Peter Bugbee, Safety Harbor

Re: Big, round and mysterious story, Nov. 30

Stop critiquing downtown efforts

I do hope that your reporter did not suffer corneal damage from road dirt while lying on the ground to take the picture of the Cleveland streetscape.

We build a beautiful park, you dig up controversy. We pass a marina vote - nope, you are not there for the celebration. We do a beautiful streetscape and there is the glass-half-full reporter for the Times.

There are those who do and those who critique. We want a thriving downtown for all and a tax base to boot. We are going to get it despite your sniping from the sidelines.

Get out of the bleachers and in the game or put a sock in it.

Pamela Marks,Clearwater

Re: Big, round and mysterious story, Nov. 30

What did concrete balls cost the city?

How much did the twelve 2,000-pound concrete spheres, which were included as part of the Cleveland Street makeover and presently decorate the medians, cost the city of Clearwater?

Now that the mystery has been solved regarding what the balls are there for, I can't help but wonder if putting in fences would have been more appropriate as traffic guards, as well as more cost-effective.

JoAnn Lee Frank,Clearwater

Re: Big, round and mysterious story, Nov. 30

Humvee zigs, hits a concrete ball ...

As I was reading the article about the 4-foot balls adorning Clearwater's Cleveland Street, a vision began to form in my mind. I see a wayward Humvee failing to zig, crashing into one of the giant balls and dislodging it from its perch.

It bounces into a second ball, which is also dislodged. The balls begin to roll, gathering speed as they tumble toward the bay, crashing into parked cars, ricocheting off storefronts and scattering terrified pedestrians from their path. A third and fourth balls are struck, dislodged and set into motion too, smashing, crashing, mowing down everything in their path, until finally crashing through the last barrier and splashing into the bay.

The next day the City Council surveys the damage. A Times reporter asks, "What happened"? "Gee," one council member responds, "I don't understand it. Maybe we should have put in a roundabout."

Donald L. Wallace,Dunedin

Re: 'Demon' made him do it? Officials don't buy it story, Nov. 30

Sergeant should have faced fear

I remember meeting an Officer Tom Mahoney or someone like him in a Polk County Jail cell some 25 years ago. I made a mistake, like a lot of young stupid men do, and he let me know it by bouncing me off the jail cell walls.

Perhaps this Sgt. Thomas Mahoney should have faced his fears and smashed his face into the plumbing he was so afraid of. Maybe then he would have treated his prisoner with some dignity and saved his job.

George J. Curry, Clearwater

 Scientology using seasonal cult tool

I see Scientology is kicking off the holiday season with its annual holiday recruiting center, "Winter Wonderland." They even got some city officials to help them.

Well, beware of Santa bearing propaganda. Make no mistake, there are no warm, fuzzy holiday sentiments behind this cult tool. It is for their continuation of deceiving the public into thinking they are anything but what they are: a dangerous, anti-family, money-hungry cult.

So remember these city officials come election time and vote for the benefit of Clearwater citizens, not the cult.

David Rodman, Dunedin

A fine example of cooperation

The 38th annual Dunedin Youth Guild Holiday Tour of Homes was a true example of community cooperation.

Co-chaired by Julie Scales and Deborah Kynes, the tour, titled "It's A Wonderful Life ... In Dunedin's Neighborhoods," showed how Dunedin is truly a city with strong historical roots and with a wide variety of people and architectural styles. The houses that were featured ranged from structures that were well over 100 years old to a 5-year-old Key West-style home.

Many thanks go out to the gracious homeowners who opened their doors and shared their holiday traditions, allowing those on the tour to enjoy different decorating styles, each worthy of a place on a magazine cover. Santa was even on hand to give out candy canes, and I gave him my Christmas wish list.

The success of the tour is also due to the dedication of our members. The Dunedin Youth Guild, which was organized in 1964, consists of a small group of women from many different walks of life who have an age span of almost 50 years. With continued support of many local financial backers and visibility from the St. Petersburg Times, city Channel 15 and local announcers, the success of the tour will allow the guild to continue its mission to support local youth activities, recreational and educational, as well as assist in our scholarship program.

We all came together as a team and succeeded. As a favorite TV show of mine used to end, "I love it when a plan comes together!" Good job, Dunedin.

Gina Massotto,Dunedin

[Last modified December 4, 2007, 23:09:42]