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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 7, 2001
The one-way sections of Ninth and Eighth streets N in St. Petersburg should be given a medal for the outstanding service they have provided our city -- especially downtown -- for many years. In addition to this area, they have served our two main hospitals, Tropicana Field and many adjacent businesses. Let's not forget how the pair assist in expediting the response time for fire, police and emergency vehicles.
If a severe hurricane, tornado or even a terrorist attack occurred, this pair of one-ways would prove to be a blessing for all. Should the downtown boom continue, Eighth and Ninth streets as one-ways could easily handle the increased traffic. Imagine how other cities would appreciate having such a wonderful pair to serve them.
The city has been asked to change these streets from one-way to two-way, and it is now studying the proposal. In view of the uncertain financial picture that could become worse, is this the time to consider spending millions of dollars to convert these streets? In addition, recently we were informed that the new city budget was going to be extremely tight and that our utility costs were to rise. Once again, is this the time to even consider such a request?
A longtime saying comes to mind: "If it works, don't change it!"
-- Don Saxer, St. Petersburg
Re: Causeway remodeling could start in 2002, Oct. 31.
I see in the Neighborhood Times that starting in December, the cost of buying a bridge decal will increase to $30, a hike of 50 percent. As a resident of Treasure Island, I have no problem with the increase as long as everyone pays it. As I understand it, only those buying decals are going to be charged extra money. I didn't see anything in the article saying the regular toll was going to increase to 75 cents. This, of course, is wrong, and I am certain will be corrected before the first of the year.
What bothers me most is that so many people pay no toll at all. I never go through the booths without hearing the alarm sound or seeing someone tailgating a vehicle and sailing through on someone else's decal or toll. Control arms or cameras must be put in place to catch these people and fine them. We also need a mayor and a city commission that will prosecute these violators rather than defend them.
-- William F. Tilghman, Treasure Island
Each time I drive on the roads of Tampa Bay, it becomes more and more clear to me that for some strange reason, no two drivers are on the same page. Some feel that they always have the right of way, no matter what the situation is or what the signs say. Others do not know, for example, when they need to stop for a school bus and when they don't.
I think it would be a wonderful (and potentially life-saving) public service if the local media, especially newspapers but television as well, would offer frequent reminders of the dos and don'ts of driving. In particular, the concepts of merging and yielding need extensive explanations. In addition, it would not be a bad idea to explain the possible consequences, legal and physical, of deciding that the rules do not apply to you.
If the St. Petersburg Times is as good a newspaper as it claims, it should have no problem offering this public service.
-- Dave Giese, St. Petersburg
Re: Carnival of inclusion planned over four days, by Anne Lindberg, Oct. 31.
I am profoundly pleased and impressed that the city of Pinellas Park scheduled an event designed to promote multicultural understanding. Cities nationwide should do the same to obviate bigoted, angry attitudes and to promote brotherhood.
We have to understand the prerequisite of pride folks have in their heritage and culture. I have pride in my Irish heritage (my father was born in Ireland) and enjoy the folk music and such of my ancestral homeland.
In myriad ways, we are a society that is inwardly hollowed. We don't even know our neighbors, let alone other cultures. Our whole mode of connectiveness with others needs improvement, and given contemporary societal phenomena today, who can deny that we need more togetherness as Americans?
Unity and understanding can combat serious social tumors in America. To attack the root of civil evil will result in a more stable homeland. We need increased principle, not more moral vitriol.
-- Robert B. Fleming, St. Petersburg
Re: Memorial honors a teenage criminal, letter, Oct. 31.
The letter labels the late TyRon Lewis a "two-bit criminal." Then it grievously errs in saying, "The problems of south St. Petersburg are not attributed to race" but to "violence and hate."
South St. Petersburg includes Isla Del Sol -- is that relevant? Was the Segregation District deliberately set up in the late 1930s by Mayor John S. Smith and other public officials a criminal conspiracy? For more than six decades it has set up a black-predominant "cheap labor supply" surrounded by white-predominant "licensed to steal" areas. For more than six decades TyRon Lewis and teenagers in today's Challenge/Midtown area had resources systematically ripped off -- with lower education, lower health care, lower income, lower pride, on and on. Try telling TyRon's family that the Segregation District crime by Mayor Smith had nothing to do with race and skin color!
-- Lawrence F. Ellery, St. Petersburg
This is to express deep appreciation for the work of Dennis Sexton, who will soon retire as CEO of All Children's Hospital after some 30 years of service. Mr. Sexton is a credit to our state. He has made a splendid contribution to the health of children in our community as well as children from other states and nations.
From my perspective as a pastor who visits hospitals frequently, All Children's Hospital is a premier health facility. It is very children- and parent-friendly. The doctors, nurses and other staffers have fine attitudes. There is good morale.
There are times when I have waited with families of children who were undergoing surgery. Once I was with the parents of an 11-month-old girl who was undergoing a seven hour operation on her brain. Every hour a nurse from the operating room would come to advise us of how things were going in surgery.
When I have visited children in surgical intensive care, I have observed that each child had his or her own nurse. I could cite many other positive aspects of All Children's.
The hospital has made great strides under Mr. Sexton's many years of leadership. We should all be grateful for his committed stewardship.
-- James Lloyd Knox, St. Petersburg