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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Former resident's spirit keeps watch

New plan for troubled landstory, Feb. 13

I truly enjoyed reading this article by staff writer Lorri Helfand. The property at the intersection of Belcher and Belleair roads that my friends and I always have referred to simply as "2140" is of great interest to many, especially the Walker family and those of us who are friends and grew up riding horses, swimming, fishing and falling in love multiple times in and around there.

Charlie and Olive Walker raised a great family on that land, and I promise there wasn't a single dull moment on the premises.

Those of us who remember and loved Olive know the real reason there hasn't been anyone able to achieve success on that property thus far: The spirit of Olive lives on and she must not have been pleased with anyone's ideas yet. I guarantee you she's keeping an eye on "2140" and can scare off the devil himself if she so pleases.

Good luck to the new owner. If you find favor with the ghost of Olive Walker, you might just be successful!

Frances Vinson Bradford,Clearwater

Officer cleared in french fry flap story, Feb. 5

Facts support officer's actions

Well, well. Now we've heard the other side of the story. Okay, all of you Monday morning quarterbacks (i.e. lawyers, and former and current criminals who just hate any and all law enforcement officers). Let's all sit down, take a deep breath and stop pointing fingers at the Clearwater Police Department.

And for attorney Steven Andrews, who had the nerve to say there was no probable cause to arrest this mouthy woman: Mr. Andrews, there were many witnesses to this incident. Could that be one of the elements of disorderly conduct (breach of the peace)?

The next time I see a violent crime in my neighborhood, I'll call Mr. Andrews or another lawyer. I'll have plenty to choose from in Pinellas alone and then I'll be able to analyze their actions for months to come.

And if the Clearwater mayor is reading this, I would expect him to apologize to Officer Matthew Parco and at least show some support for your fine law enforcement agency.

You did a great job, Officer Parco, and be safe out there!

Bill Burnett,St. Petersburg

Officer cleared in french fry flap story, Feb. 5

Clarify policy on drive-throughs

I am curious to know if police departments have any policies regarding the use of drive-throughs. If an officer is stuck in a drive-through, he is not available for public safety. Is it more secure for the officer's safety and security to park and exit the vehicle and go inside a restaurant?

Ron Skidmore, Largo

Many to thankfor legion's float

Thank you for publishing the great photo of U.S. Navy Seaman Aaron Boshers on the Dunedin Memorial Post 275 American Legion float during the Mardi Gras parade in Dunedin.

Aaron is a 2007 graduate of Dunedin High School and recently graduated from Navy boot camp. He is assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and stationed in Washington, D.C. He represented Post 275 in 2006 by participating in American Legion Boys State, which is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students.

I would also like to say thank you to Auxiliary Unit 275 for doing a great job on designing our float, which was titled "Florida Bells Ringing for Freedom," and to everyone involved, from building and decorating the float to throwing the beads and giving out the stuffed animals to the children.

May Florida bells continue to ring for freedom.

Sid Damsgard, commander, Dunedin Memorial Post 275 American Legion

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 February 14, 2008, 21:19:49]