Letters to the Editors

Officers should get praise, not abuse

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 13, 2000

Re: Treasure Island trapper, Aug. 9

I had to read this story twice because I was sure I had misread the comments of those involved. An off-duty state trooper volunteers his time to try to curb some of the blatant traffic violators on the road these days and gets berated for it. A mother gets mad at the officer for trying to instill some responsibility in her child. She not only gets mad at the officer but doesn't seem to think her daughter even did anything wrong. The mayor rewards her by giving her a pin. Is this guy for real?

I guess I forgot that Treasure Island residents and tourists are exempt from the law. I only wish we had more officers and public officials who cared about our safety. They need to start getting tougher on those who so flagrantly abuse the law. I am tired of having to stop for green lights just to keep from having some maniac plow me down. Thank you, Jesus Lopez, for caring. You are welcome in my town any day.
-- John Hamilton, Gulfport

Trooper taking law into his own hands

Re: Treasure Island trapper.

Isn't it strange that not even the elected mayor, Leon Atkinson, can tell this guy to go home after work and quit harassing residents and visitors to Treasure Island? Even Commissioner Mary Maloof thought he was some kind of wacko impersonating a police officer and called the police.

Treasure Island has its own police department with a policy of giving warnings rather than expensive $120 tickets for most infractions. How on earth can an off-duty state trooper make policy for an independent city?

This trooper's efforts would be much better utilized on Gulf Boulevard between the Bilmar and Sunset Beach where the speed limit is 35 mph but traffic goes 75 mph. There have been lots of accidents on this stretch of Gulf Boulevard due to reckless driving and speeding. Maybe if the word got out that he's watching, drivers would slow down.

Also since he's at the Causeway Toll Booth, how about dealing with drivers who use the right lane -- which until recently was for pass-holders only -- and don't have change, keeping traffic waiting until the toll keeper, at great peril, can make his/her way across the left lane to make change? This infraction deserves at least a $120 fine.
-- Harold Teague, Madeira Beach

Residents deceived about road closure

I am writing for myself and on behalf of the many citizens of St. Pete Beach who are outraged that we have been lied to by the City Council with regard to the issue of road closures along Blind Pass Road. We have been aware for some time that there was a proposal on the table to close roads leading into the residential areas between 93rd and 75th avenues. The closures would coincide with the widening of Blind Pass Road and were proposed, we are told, for crime reduction, beautification and property valuation purposes. There was hearty opposition to the proposal for several reasons:

Such closures will make it more difficult for emergency vehicle access, especially paramedics and ambulances, and they will increase travel time to hospitals.

The closures would increase the traffic on Gulf Boulevard because residents would find that road the only means of egress.

Residents will be greatly inconvenienced by having their means of access severely limited.

Many citizens enjoy living in an open community, and have chosen St. Pete Beach over so-called gated communities.

And turn-around traffic will pose a far greater safety hazard than does an open road plan. (Garbage trucks, mail trucks, and delivery vehicles will be either turning around or backing up -- both of which are unsafe.)

Clearly there has been strong sentiment on both sides of the issue, but I and others took comfort in the city's reassurance that "these closures will not take place unless the neighborhood residents agree (with) this change," (quoted from mailing of the city manager's office and local access Channel 15.) Residents were invited to attend a meeting on July 20 to provide input.

Some came to the meeting for information on how they could vote their preference. Many came to voice opposition to the closures. Few, if any, spoke in favor of the road closures. And yet, we are now told that John Phillips alone, as District 1 commissioner, will decide whether "the neighborhood residents agree with the change." There has been no referendum. There has been no telephone polling. There has been no house-to-house canvassing. Instead, citizens like myself were told by Phillips himself, that the decision was his, and he had made it in favor of closing the roads.

I and others will gladly abide by majority rule on issues of this magnitude. However, in terms of these road closures, we have been misled and deceived into believing our opinions matter. Please know that all elected officials must ultimately bear the consequences of such actions of deceit on Election Day.
-- Joseph Sulprizio, St. Pete Beach

Sad to see hometown restaurant fall

Re: Apple may fall to Eckerd purchase, Aug. 2.

I moved from Atlanta to Madeira Beach about six months ago. In my 15 years in Atlanta, I saw many small businesses fall victim to the "drug store wars." Imagine my dismay when I read that the charming Apple Restaurant in Madeira Beach may suffer a similar fate.

I enjoy the small-town atmosphere of the current Madeira Way business district. The razing of the Apple and the other businesses nearby for yet another Eckerd Drug Store will alter the area beyond recognition. Eckerd would do much better to simply upgrade its current location, which is practically within sight of the proposed new location.

The first noticeable landmark when entering the Madeira Beach area is the Apple Restaurant. I consider this property to be the centerpiece of our town and what visitors here will remember about us. They are not likely to remember Eckerd drug. While I hope that the restaurant will remain, I respect the right of the property owner to make a lucrative deal to sell his property. If he does choose to sell, I urge the city leaders of Madeira Beach to carefully consider what should replace the restaurant. This is a unique opportunity to shape our community. We should not squander that opportunity.

Should this deal go through, I do not intend to patronize Eckerd Drug Store. It will need the support of locals to succeed. I encourage other residents to express their opinions on this issue as well.
-- Lori R. Landis, Madeira Beach

Drive-in was a good place for families

Re: Keep the 28th Street Drive-in open, letter, July 2.

My husband and I feel the same way the letter writer does about the closing of the drive-in. It was a place where we could take our children and we could afford a night out. With six children, it was hard to find somewhere we could all go and enjoy ourselves. Now what am I going to tell my grandchildren about the drive-in and explain how much fun it was if I can't show them?
-- Patricia Laney, Pinellas Park

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