Letters to the Editors

Why move park across the street?

Your headline, Boat ramp in the works for Stansell Park (April 17), did an injustice to what will really take place at Pop Stansell Park in Palm Harbor. It should have read, Popular park slated to be gutted for new boat ramp.

After years of effort and money raised by volunteers, Pop Stansell finally became a real park with swings and playground equipment. Suddenly, I've noticed family parties and preschool play dates making constant use of the park, its benches and shelters, not to mention enjoying the nice oak trees and cool breezes off the gulf. For a change of pace, one could take a pleasurable walk down the pier. I can even envision movie nights like Dunedin now has at the bandshell.

Moving the park across the street to a smaller strip of land with fewer trees next to the trail will destroy its pleasant atmosphere and usefulness. Will the shelters still be there? There can't possibly be enough room.

Instead of a beautiful green space at the end of the street, we'll now have a parking lot. Why can't the parking go where the park is slated to be moved? Why divorce the park from its natural association with the sea?

I have nothing against improving the boat ramp, but how can it be an asset if it destroys a well-used, beautiful park that is less than 1 year old? No one is considering the families who now flock to the park all week long. The land is already being cleared. Is this a done deal?

I hope all the families who make use of this park will investigate and attend the public hearing.
-- Karen Watson, Palm Harbor

Stranger stepped in at right moment

My family and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to a particular gentleman. On March 28 my children and I decided to spend a few hours at the beach. We had a wonderful morning and decided to wade one more time before leaving. It had been a tremendously beautiful day, and the waves were in rare form. They were rising and breaking some feet from the shore.

I have been a resident many years, and I have to say this is the first time this has ever happened to me. I was holding my 6-year-old son in my arms; and together with my 10-year-old daughter, we were jumping the waves. We got pulled out just a bit and then lost our footing. Other waves were continuing in, and we couldn't get a foothold.

I was able to hold my son above the water, but fear was creeping in quickly, especially as I glanced over and saw the beginnings of fear settling in my daughter's eyes. I couldn't let go of my son, and I couldn't reach my daughter only a few inches away. Trying to remain calm for the children, I looked up and spotted a man a mere few feet away. Water rolled over my head, and then this blessed gentleman looked our way. I just said "Please help."

In seconds he pulled me and my son a few feet up and then my daughter to where we could regain our footing once again and walk ashore. Overwhelming gratitude outweighs the other emotions I have been grappling with. First, I should have been more aware of the danger; and, second, I feel despair that I was unable to reach out and pull in my precious daughter.

By God's sweet grace and the compassion of this unknown man, we were able to come home as a family. Thank you, sir, so very much. We'll go back again, but not alone and certainly very much more aware.

Take nothing for granted -- family or surroundings. No matter how many times you have been to the beach or how familiar things may seem to be, please be alert and aware. Fun is still there to be had, but remember the rewards to be had when you exercise a bit of extra caution.

Thank you, Lord, for watching over us and for sending that angel in disguise.
-- Danine Whitney, Largo

Address signs on U.S. 19 a godsend

Don't know who, but someone should be commended for the new signs along U.S. 19 showing the address numbers. It has been a nightmare for years trying to find addresses along that road. Thank you, someone.
-- Virginia Campbell, Tarpon Springs

Your voice counts

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