© St. Petersburg Times, published May 13, 2001
We think the new design for the beach is very nice. We hope that it is approved. It seems like we would be getting a much nicer beach. The widening of Coronado Drive would make up for the loss of S Gulfview Boulevard in that area.
Clearwater Beach needs a facelift. A lot of those old motels are not equipped with facilities for the handicapped. I would rather look at upscale resorts than obsolete motels. Recently my son from Michigan stayed at a motel on the beach. His comment to me about the area was that it needs to be "updated."
We say "Go for it," city commissioners.
-- Charles and Shirley Borcsane, Clearwater
My wife and I have been vacationing at Clearwater Beach for the past 15 years and someday plan on moving to the area for part of the year.
S Gulfview Boulevard should be closed and a pedestrian walkway built. There is too much traffic on the road now. Coronado Drive should be expanded and a better traffic flow can be developed from Sand Key to Island Estates.
People should be able to enjoy the best views and beach without having to worry about large volumes of traffic. Adequate parking must be developed away from the beach and buildings in the area need renovation or just complete demolition.
In our opinion, Clearwater Beach is the best place in the world, and with proper planning it can continue to be so. We love the way the roundabout has turned out, slowing traffic down and making for a better gateway to the beach.
Now the remaining roadway from there to Sand Key needs redevelopment. Anyone who really loves the beach should have no problem getting out of the car to enjoy the beauty of the water. Just driving by does it no justice.
-- Mr. and Mrs Michael Teriaco, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I don't think it matters much what the local people think. They won't be staying at the swanky resorts and their drive along the gulf view corridor contributes no money to the city treasury. Those paying the high prices at the resorts deserve to have a view of the beach that is not marred by a drive-by of poor locals peering up at them.
-- Bob Coffey, Clearwater