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Letter to the editor

Todays Letters: Land purchase was a great move

By Letters to the Editior
Published December 11, 2007

Re: Room for wildlife to roam story, Dec. 6

Hillsborough County's purchase of more than 1,000 acres of land to be set aside for preservation is a victory for the county and all residents of the Tampa Bay area. Even in this time of tight budgets, Hillsborough County made the right decision to spend $17.25-million to preserve this environmentally sensitive land for future generations. (Part of the purchase price may be recouped by state grants.)

The county must now make sure legal protections are in place to preserve this land in its natural state in perpetuity to protect it from development.

Pinellas officials should also continue efforts to purchase what little land remains in this county for preservation purposes. Wealthy individuals can become local heroes by donating land to their cities or counties for use as community gardens, nature centers or parks. Local governments should pursue every opportunity to protect our valuable green spaces and create more whenever possible.

Liz Drayer, Clearwater

Re: Project gets mixed review story, Dec. 5

Careful with the generalizations

Your article stated that "neighbors" were against the Creekside Mixed Development proposed for Safety Harbor. As one of the neighbors involved, I wish to correct your assumption. I stood up for the project at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting, and my opinion has not changed.

At that meeting my neighbors along the south side of Sixth Street were also in support of the project. The only persons who spoke against the project lived on Church Street two blocks away.

The "neighbors" that supported the project live on the creek and would be most affected by the project. I should also note that these households are among the oldest residents of Safety Harbor.

As for the planning board, it was clear that at least two of them had decided before any evidence was presented.

I think your article should have read "some neighbors."

Bill Schroeder,Safety Harbor

Dunedin events set the standard

In the past two weeks Dunedin has hosted the Christmas Boat Parade, the Tour of Homes, Downtown Old Fashioned Christmas and the annual Christmas Parade. Thousands of citizens and visitors alike enjoyed wonderful, safe and family-oriented entertainment. No charge, no trouble, just a joyful time.

All this does not happen by accident. Every effort was made to insure the safety of all. Our thanks go to the city commissioners, each city department head, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and all the hundreds of volunteers who participated. Dunedin continues to set the benchmark for all others to follow.

Bill Coleman,Dunedin

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified December 10, 2007, 20:45:36]