Letters to the Editors

Officials should recast ordinance on cellular towers

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 7, 2000

Editor: I read with interest about the approval for yet another cell tower. These decisions affect our community for decades and are being guided by a poor quality ordinance.

Other counties in Florida are doing a far better job then us in reducing the amount of damage these towers do to the visual environment. I am told Alachua County has a new ordinance that says towers cannot be above the tree line. Because the cells are getting smaller and smaller, the industry needs to put their antennas closer and closer.

Alachua and others have gone to closer but far less obtrusive means to safeguard their property values. I advocate a moratorium until we can study this issue more closely. I am a frequent user of cell phone technology, and do not advocate a ban on towers. Just a moratorium so that we may get up to date technological info before we make big, big mistakes.
-- Kathryn Starkey, New Port Richey

Newspaper again misses chance to highlight bands' efforts

Editor: Last year I wrote a letter on how you missed a great all county school concert and I even offered you a ride to the event. Well, on Saturday, there was a high school marching band competition at River Ridge High School with 16 bands from Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. But again you chose not to cover it

It can't be transportation; I've offered you a ride. Could it have been the cost of admission? I wouldn't think of having you pay; I'll cover that too. These kids from all three counties put in countless hours of hard work and practice to get their routines down, and what a night it was. At the end of the night awards were given out to see who moves on to state competition. There were tears of joy and tears of sadness.

But like last year, you were nowhere to be found to share this great event with your readers. Not even a lousy picture. When a kid is involved in a bad situation, it's front page news. When they do hard work, they should get the same recognition, but you've chosen to ignore the arts for two years in a row.

I offered you a ride. I've already said I'll pay for your admission. Do I have to throw in some popcorn for next year? Don't let the kids down.
-- Michael R. Carbone, New Port Richey

Genesis school takes pride in serving the community

Editor: As a teacher at Genesis Preparatory School, a New Port Richey resident and a former Pasco County School teacher, I could tell you about the exemplary academic record and achievements of our students and graduates. I could spend hours describing, yet never fully conveying, the image of Genesis as a warm family environment for learning. Our school's goals of character building and a quality college preparatory education are surpassed only by the dedication and caring of Genesis parents -- parents who struggle to provide this environment for their children is to be applauded.

Genesis has been and always will be a good neighbor, ready to assist the neighborhood, the region, and the county, ready to provide resources where they are needed. Genesis, by nature, shares the responsibility of being an active member of the greater community we call our home. Our students volunteer for the Salvation Army's Christmas bell ringers. They provide baskets of food each year at Christmas and Thanksgiving for the area's hungry and for local shut-ins. They hold canned food drives for regional food kitchens. Our youth provide a holiday gift service for senior citizens and shut ins and work with the Paint Your Heart Out house painting volunteers for seniors and the indigent. These students assist with the Angelus House and provide workers for the Charlie Daniels benefit concert. In addition, they are participants in the Pasco County Teen Court and Rotary Interact; they also sponsor, man and build floats and booths for the Chasco Fiesta each year. All of these services come from a school of 124 students.

At Genesis, we take neighborliness, volunteering and community service seriously.

We do not merely encourage student participation, we demand it. let's hope the County Commission will take our community involvement and participation into account when it makes a decision Wednesday. Consider our accomplishments before deciding to limit what our future accomplishments for this community can be.
-- Diana D. Wellborn, New Port Richey

Motorcycle's riders show a lack of common sense

Editor: A few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon, my husband and I were enjoying a leisurely ride on our motorcycle. As we approached the intersection of Little Road and State Road 52, another motorcycle caught our eye. We were shocked by what we saw! The passengers on the motorcycle consisted of two adults and one small child between them. None of the passengers were wearing helmets.

I do not support the law allowing bikers to ride without helmets. However, I do respect the right of individuals to make their own choices.

What I don't understand is how these adults can make such a poor choice. Did they forget that it is illegal to carry more than two passengers on a vehicle designed for the maximum of two? According to Florida Statue 316.211, any person 21 years or older with insurance coverage of $10,000 in medical benefits is not required to wear a helmet.

In my book of common sense, that translates to not allowing a child of approximately 6 years of age to ride on a vehicle that can sometimes exceed the speed of 55 miles per hour without proper and lawful protection.

I love riding on a motorcycle and I think it's wonderful to share our interest with our children.

Parents, if you value the life of your child, please take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety. If you allow your child to ride on your motorcycle, please provide a DOT approved helmet. If you can't, take a cab.
-- Patrice Defalco, New Port Richey

Resident of Embassy Hills wants considerate neighbors

Editor: We have lived and enjoyed our well-kept and quiet home for 28 years until several families moved in. Embassy Hills neighborhoods have become havens for boom boxes and garage mechanics tuning and revving engines of cars and trucks at all hours.

Parking on lawns and blocking sidewalks is considered the norm. It is evident that they have no consideration for the health or well being of their senior neighbors.

We don't disturb them whatsoever and would appreciate the same from them. Enough already.
-- Gerard J. Heaphy, Port Richey

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