The Way I See ItBy cj pollickJuly 4th Celebrations - If you are looking for places to celebrate July 4th, then consider city-sponsored celebrations held at Largo's Central Park and Clearwater's Coachman Park. In Largo, the city is planning to break the Guinness World Record for number of people doing the "twist" at one time. This annual fireworks celebration will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will also be the 50th Anniversary of Largo Rec. In Clearwater, the celebration will be held at Coachman Park with music, food, and fireworks from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Independence Day celebration? Checkout Clearwater and Largo activities. Beach (Re) Nourishment - If you visit some of our Pinellas County beaches, then you have noticed beach erosion. Beach erosion along Sand Key reflects much of winter storm's activities. However, with one local tropical storm, the beach fronting Sand Key could be completely eroded. Thus, beach (re) nourishment is important for our tourism economy and Sand Key protection. Plans are in place to begin beach (re) nourishment along Sand Key (from John's Pass north) beginning early next year…if state funding for the multi-million dollar project is in place. If local beach (re) nourishment is not funded or delayed for another year or two, high tide watermarks could end-up reaching seawalls along Sand Key. Belleview Biltmore - Remember when the folks who own the Belleview Biltmore said they would delay construction due to outstanding legal issues with a few homeowners in Belleair? Well, those legal issues are over. What could be delaying construction of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel and property? v Money. The owners are reportedly trying to raise development money from new investors. Bottom line? The Belleview Biltmore Hotel project will not begin until the owners have raised new money. And, as some homeowners/commercial property owners have grudgingly learned, it is difficult obtaining money from banks, etc., at this time. New Biltmore Hotel on the hill? Let's hope so, but it looks like it might not happen anytime soon. One Reader Asks To Get Tough On Wasteful City Spending - One anonymous Clearwater reader asked the Gazette to lead the way in printing more coverage about wasteful spending habits of Clearwater officials. "How much money each day is Clearwater losing by not accepting the Sheriff's financial proposal (saving millions of Clearwater tax dollars)"? Of course, and as people had been made aware of government waste with citizen groups such as the Tea Party, it is the job for Clearwater citizens and related citizen groups to lead the way in confronting spending habits of city officials. The Gazette broke the news about how much money the Sheriff's Department could save city taxpayers if city officials were interested. Get tough? Why not encourage the people of Clearwater to get out and vote and, if there is greater voter turnout, who knows the result. But more citizen input is a good thing since there are a few special interest groups in Clearwater that participate in city elections and their "special" interest might become less important if more Clearwater citizens actually voted. Why, Why, Why - Why are career criminals, such as the thug who allegedly murdered two Tampa police officers this week, allowed out of prison? Some of these folks have very lengthy arrest records. They are a threat to everyone! The Oil Flows And Our President Is Lost - Tough talk flows from the lips of our President about BP Oil Company; however, his actions to stop the oil leak in the Gulf has been pitiful at best. Yesterday on national news a reporter at the scene of the oil spill asked small boat owners working to help clean up the oil spill where they called home. Thus, the reporter was expecting to see the boat workers coming from small Louisiana ports that have been out of work due to the oil spill. As everyone knows, BP Oil, per their agreement with President Obama, agreed to pay about $2,000 a day per boat plus $200 a day for each worker on the boat for "sweeping" oil residue. Big money for many workers. Where did the boats come from? Texas, Florida (south of Sarasota), and places other than local Louisiana fishermen who have been put out of work. What did local fishermen say about this clean-up work? "We asked the officials for work and they have not called us back," stated one Louisiana fisherman on television. Thus, some people are already taking financial advantage of the oil spill. Why is the government not checking to see who they are hiring? Why are people who have been put out of work not receiving first offers to work instead of out-of-state workers? Same could be true of other oil claims. BP Oil should pay for all damages, but first payment should go to people most affected from Louisiana to Panama City. Sarasota boat owners and fishermen getting paid before fishermen from Louisiana to Panama City? Say it ain't so, Mr. President. Bottom line? People trying to make money from the oil spill (who should not) are already lining-up for BP money. That form of abuse needs to stop before too much money is wasted on people/companies far from the actual oil spill. How much longer could the oil leak from the damaged underwater line? Perhaps another month or more (reportedly, until a new oil line is drilled to release high pressure.) Recent Zogby Poll - Politicians tend to follow polls. Why? Polls are a politician's barometer regarding how the electorate is reacting to decisions. If the above is correct, then the recent Zogby Poll should send shivers up the spine of many politicians. According to Zogby, over 60% of Americans disapprove of the current direction of our country. Not a good indicator for many incumbents in the upcoming November election. Republicans now have a 2-point lead over Democrats in those November elections, according to Zogby. Change of direction in November? Time will tell, but the number of people frustrated with our government is growing. Citizens joining or supporting groups such as the Tea Party are growing in numbers and political clout. For career politicians to ignore the "independent" Tea Party movement would be foolish. Voters in America may soon voice their frustrations at the ballot box in November-and all incumbents could be in trouble. It is time for term limits for ALL politicians. Arizona Governor Wasted Her Time - Imagine being invited to a meeting regarding illegal immigrant control with representatives of our federal government (who are to uphold the law of the land) who state that they will help increase border patrol in Arizona by use of the national guard and repair 20 miles of border fence. Then those federal government representatives say they will lower the number of allocated border patrol each year back to current low levels. Thus, the government giveth and the government taketh away. Some might call it a political slight of hand move to gain votes. Nevertheless, the Governor of Arizona left this meeting spellbound and with full understanding of Washington's lack of support for illegal immigration control. It is obvious that the President will do as little as possible to stop illegal entry into America, as exemplified in the recent meeting with the Governor of Arizona. Ironically, most Americans support tougher enforcement of illegal immigration. Perhaps there is some truth in rumors from Washington that imply that President Obama might use "Executive Privilege" in granting amnesty to all illegals now in America instead of Congressional debate and passage of an amnesty law. Surely, the President would not circumvent law by granting amnesty to millions of illegals in America before the next election, just to gain votes? Is this the change voters expected in Washington? Provision In War-Funding Bill - House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) is trying to insert a provision into the war supplemental funding bill that would compel volunteer firefighters to join unions, threatening the survival of America's nearly 26,000 volunteer fire departments. Chicago Gun Laws Unconstitutional - Not only are the Chicago laws banning law-abiding citizens unconstitutional, they do not work. Consider the fact that 10 people were killed by guns last month with the ban in effect. World Cup Soccer - If you follow World Cup Soccer, then you are aware of instances of poor officiating and possible game-changing calls. FIFA, the organization that controls soccer rules and officiating, has not made a comment about the officiating at World Cup games. Nevertheless, and as all soccer fans noticed, there were several terrible calls during last weekend's soccer games. Forget all of the bad calls against the USA teams, but consider the call against England just before the half where a clear goal was not given to England and they went into half-time losing to Germany (instead of being tied.) Then there was the obvious miscall in favor of Argentina allowing a goal against Mexico (a clear offside by the player who scored.) The list of bad calls goes on and on. The solution? Instant replay, if contested by a coach or referee. Only two or three allowed per half. Even though TEAM USA lost, they proved they could play with any nation and win. Yes, soccer in America has come a long way. As more and more American youngsters grow-up playing soccer, it is only a matter of time, meaning sooner rather than later, before TEAM USA will play in the FINAL FOUR of World Cup Soccer. And, wouldn't it be great if that occurred when America was the host nation of World Cup Soccer. Imagine World Cup soccer games played in Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa, New York or Dallas! "All things are difficult before they are easy." -Thomas Fuller |