Sand Key ParkI haven’t commented recently, but have our residents noticed the changes in Sand Key Park since the Pinellas County Park Department has implemented the ‘Preserve Maintenance’ schedule for mowing. As the former Park Supervisor of Sand Key Park from 1989 to 2002, my staff and I prided ourselves in providing our area residents and visitors from all over the world with a beautifully maintained beach park on the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks to Amendment 1 and the interpretation of how to meet the challenges of budgeting, our county commissioners have chosen to make the park department the ’sacrificial lamb’ to help meet other budgetary needs in other departments. Those residents who regularly walk through the park or take their dogs to the dog park have obviously seen what ‘preserve maintenance’ means.? Sand Key Park looks like it is neglected and overgrown. This is not to fault the current supervision of the park. Mr. Jerry Cumings and his crew have to maintain the park with just 6 staff members. I had 11 staff members. I would ask our residents of Sand Key to call the Director of the Pinellas County Culture, Education and Leisure Department, Mr. Paul Cozzie, to let him know what you think of the appearance of the park. Please support Mr. Cumings in giving you a park to not only enjoy the beauty of nature as you exercise, but one that you will be proud to bring your friends and family to. The department’s phone number is 464-3347. - Fred Bruder, Former Sand Key Park Supervisor
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