After reading the article about St. Petersburg's Central Avenue in Sunday's paper, I am in even more support of the proposal by "Ride the Tide, Tampa Bay" to install a streetcar along our grand, urban thoroughfare.
At first, the idea of running a San Francisco-style streetcar to Tropicana Field was appealing. It seemed the ideal solution to the need for establishing a southern line in our long-overdue regional mass transit system. This would connect the Ybor/Channelside streetcar to a water taxi across the bay and then add a streetcar along Central. But I say why stop at the Trop?
We should use some of that $2 million available for Central Avenue issues to study the feasibility of running the streetcar to the beaches. The TBARTA proposal for regional mass transit is totally devoid of any plan for getting our tourists and conventioneers to the fabulous Gulf of Mexico. It will probably take about two hours to get from downtown Tampa to the beaches via their proposed system.
Tampa Bay is one of the most beautiful metropolitan areas in the world, and we should emphasize this, absolutely. Central Avenue is a true urban street, and it is the most diverse and interesting of all streets in Pinellas County, if not the whole region. Most other streets are riddled with chain stores and businesses found anywhere. Central Avenue has one-of-a-kind stores and businesses and, with a streetcar, it will regain its rightful significance.
Jeannie Cline, St. Petersburg
Pinellas County schools
Cooperation key to better schools
Another school year approaches, and there is a relatively new superintendent in Pinellas County to be tested in dealing with some problems that continue to plague the system. The Pinellas system must work hard to achieve more widely shared excellence. Part of the answer is new and consistent leadership from the superintendent and, hopefully, the School Board.
The school system is perhaps the most important government institution in the county because of its success, or lack thereof, in teaching and motivating students to become responsible and well-rounded citizens, and employable and productive workers. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker has recognized the importance of schools with his mentoring and corporate support program. The Pinellas Education Foundation has also contributed with its constructive criticism of the direction, management and organization of the system. More important, the foundation has given impartial thrust to the importance of career and technical education, as well as college-level education.
However, pressing issues still persist. Too many students don't graduate, especially black students. Taxpayers have made a tremendous investment in the school system, and the rate of return is debatable. The new administration has been saying the right words and sending good signals. The proof is in the pudding, which in this case means better graduation rates, more black males experiencing success, parents supporting their children, closing the white-black achievement gap, and understandable and open public plans for effecting all the preceding and more. It can be done with time, effort and cooperation.
James R. Gillespie, St. Petersburg
Residents have to spur consolidation
Consolidation is overdue in Pinellas County. It has worked in Duval and Miami-Dade counties; why not Pinellas?
The problem is that politicians want to preserve their position of power. It's going to take a movement by citizens to bring this about. It's unfortunate that we can't depend on our elected officials to look out for the best interests of all, rather than spending so much time preparing for the next election.
As for raising money, let's get more real estate on the tax rolls. First, take a close look at property owned by the public and sell off all the excess, excluding parks and recreation. Second, tax all property owned by religious groups except actual places of worship and ministers' residences. "Churches" have been taking advantage of the system for years. I'm a churchgoer, and my group would have no problem.
Harry W. Marlow, Pinellas Park
Pajama Program
Sunrise Sale a boon for needy children
We want to thank the Downtown Business Association and the 2009 Sunrise Sale for once again working with Pajama Program to collect new pajamas and books for children in need here in St. Petersburg.
This year, association members, Bernie's and Sons Jewelers, the Being furniture store, Florida Craftsmen, Good Night Moon, Interior Motives, Studio Encanto and Whim So Doodle all agreed to be drop sites for those wanting to donate pajamas and books.
Thanks to all of you for your participation, and a special thanks to the generous Sunrise Sale shoppers who donated to help our children. We collected 30 pair of new pajamas and five books, and we are so very grateful.
If you'd like to know more about Pajama Program, please visit our Web site, pajamaprogram.org. We can always use helping hands.
Clarissa Hughes and Pam Raml, co-presidents, St. Petersburg Chapter of Pajama Program,St. Petersburg
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