Letters to the Editors

Three Safety Harbor officials are all wet in fountain decision

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 5, 2001

Re: Marina Park set to enter phase two, story, Aug. 23.

I don't know why I am surprised to see the new fountain turn on in Safety Harbor. Mayor Pam Corbino, Vice Mayor Nadine Nickerson and Commissioner Keith Zayak need to have their heads examined.

I must not have heard the news. Did Swiftmud lift water restrictions? Last I heard, they told cities to cut water usage another 5 percent -- all types of water usage.

I guess it is okay for the city to continue to fine its citizens for violations, but three of our officials don't deem it necessary to set an example of self-sacrifice. Instead, it's business as usual at City Hall -- more self-gratification.

I applaud the two newest elected officials to our commission: Robin Borland and Neil Brickfield. I want to thank them for their no votes on turning on the fountain. At least you are leading by example.
-- Colleen Mackin, Safety Harbor

Take stock of what Clearwater offers

Re: Unhappy with Clearwater? Take time to look around you, column by Diane Steinle, Aug. 19.

Thank you for taking the time to point out the wonderful things about living in Clearwater. Any city's greatest asset should be its citizens. It was disappointing to read in the Times how many unhappy people live here.

Unfortunately for Clearwater, it seems our population is too busy being critical to take time to enjoy the reasons they moved here in the first place.

If you need a reminder: Go to the beach, watch a sunset, see a baseball game, ride your bike on the Pinellas Trail, visit the Downtown Farmer's Market, spend an evening at Sunsets at Pier 60, participate in the Coastal Clean-up, be a turtle-nest watcher, visit a Clearwater library, see a Friday night summer concert in Coachman Park, take your boat to Jazz Holiday -- enjoy your home!
-- Katie Cole, Clearwater

Music videos set teen beach behavior

Re: Rethink teen "problem,' editorial, Aug. 16.

You can put up 1,000 volleyball nets on Clearwater Beach, and it won't stop the parking and congregating by teenagers and young "adults," because this is what they prefer to do: show off their stereos and pose for the opposite sex.

Every hip-hop/frat-rock video on TRL tells them that this is the way to be hip. Teenagers have always defied the establishment, but when 12-year-old pop stars are singing about partying and sex, something ain't right.
-- C. Nebe, Clearwater

Children need cultural stimulation

Re: Children must have cultural foundation, guest column, Aug. 24.

Thank you for bringing us Tracy Small's column on the many cultural activities that are available in the Tampa Bay area. If every parent would copy her article or at least list the many places of learning that she mentions and then make an honest effort to take their children to these places, can you imagine how their minds could be stimulated?

When parents decide to move to a citylike atmosphere and away from the country and family, they should always make sure there are plenty of places to take the children for educational entertainment and a few fun things also. Today's children who live in the city really can't hang out on corners, and the local playgrounds are usually too far away for the children to walk there with safety. It's a shame, but it's a fact of life.

Most of the children today are glued to the TV, VCR, videos, computers and the many hand-held games on the market today. And most of the time, since Mom and Dad have to work long hours to support the more expensive city living, they are too tired and too stressed and are very happy to have junior at home enjoying these devices, as it gives them less worry as to where the children are.

Yet, in the long run, the children would be better off and better educated if the parents took the time to enjoy the cultural activities that are available in our area. Children need their minds stimulated, and the TV and video leave much to be desired in the form of education for the mind.

So maybe Tracy has at least let the really caring parents know what's available in our area to help the children grow in mind as well as body. Thanks, Tracy.
-- Fran Glaros, Clearwater

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright