Letters to the Editors

Hear some jazz, but leave hard coolers at home

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 16, 2001

The Clearwater Jazz Holiday is proud to be a part of our community's fabric for the past 22 years. We believe that bringing this uniquely American art form to the public, for free, is even more important and meaningful in these trying times. We hope that everyone who enjoys live music will join us Oct. 18-21 in Coachman Park.

Last year, we joined just about every other major musical festival and outdoor show in this area in banning hard coolers in our park. This policy mirrors one held by the City of Clearwater. It was our intention to make the event safer and more orderly, as we had experienced problems in trying to check the many coolers coming into the Jazz Holiday for alcohol and other contraband.

It was not our intention to prohibit anyone who has special dietary needs for any reason from enjoying the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Patrons are allowed to bring food and drinks (no alcohol by state law, please) into Coachman Park during our event in handbags, soft coolers no bigger than 6 inches by 12 inches or infant diaper bags. Our ban applies to hard coolers.

As always, please allow a little time for our volunteers to check your belongings before you enter Coachman Park. This is even more important this year as we make sure not only that our patrons obey the law but that we have the safest possible environment in which to stage our jazz festival.

As festival organizers, we have consulted with the Clearwater Police Department to make sure we take every necessary precaution along those lines.

On behalf of the more than 500 volunteers who help bring this free show to you, I invite you to join us for great music and beautiful weather as we pause from weightier world matters to enjoy a musical art form that has brought so many people and countries together -- jazz.
-- Wayne Garcia, chairman
2001 Clearwater Jazz Holiday

Staten Island firefighters say thanks

You have our heartfelt thanks for sending members of the Safety Harbor Fire Department to our city, New York, and especially to Staten Island, the fifth and least-populated borough. We lost 78 firefighters from our island alone in the World Trade Center Sept. 11th attack. With all the daily funerals and memorials, our members have found it difficult to attend each ceremony, as many take place in same time period.

Your firefighters have unselfishly augmented our ranks and by their deportment, professionalism and sincerity bring credit to your city.

The families of our fallen heroes and the active and retired members of the Fire Department of New York City extend a "tip of the helmet" to your Florida firefighters.

Again, thank you.
-- Firefighter Patrick J. O'Connor (ret.)
Staten Island, N.Y.

Little left to criticize in Clearwater

I just can't find anything to criticize in Clearwater anymore.

The mayor is a competent, enthusiastic individual backed by equally competent and enthusiastic elected officials. The city manager spends his time managing the city and even asks for guidance from the elected officials. I understand he even has a traceable license plate on his car.

But there are times when I yearn for the good old days when every morning paper brought something to write about.

Oh, well, I do love this city and must admit I prefer not having anything to write about.
-- Bob Coffey, Clearwater

Someone needs to fix railroad crossing

I understand that a Mr. John Sharp has written three times regarding the sad state of the railroad crossing on Cleveland Street in Clearwater. Nothing happens.

I, too, am tired of those sharp bumps when I cross over the tracks. I don't care whose problem it is, but downtown would be helped with a smooth crossing. Let's get our city of Clearwater up to date.
-- Vivian A.L. Erickson, Clearwater

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