Nobody asked me, but -
… If you're wondering about it - Clearwater parking meter violations now up to $20 from $15. Tickets go to Citation Processing Center, Alexandria, Va. Many wonder why out of town folks are getting the business.
… Talk about protecting sources - once a reporter with integrity, the Washington Post's Bob Woodward now makes sure he protects those sources which are the fountainhead of his never-ending stream of books.
… Why is the question of a downtown marina in Clearwater even an issue? Hey, folks, it is a no-brainer. Of course there should be a downtown marina - the question is why is there not one there already for many years?
… Has anyone publicly recognized the wonderful work that has been done over the years by Bob "Coach" McIntyre in directing kids' sports teams and grooming the young for adult responsibilities? Casey Kotchman, who starred at Seminole High, and is now in the Big Show with the Angels, is one of McIntyre's proteges. There have been (literally) hundreds of others.
… Membership in the U.S. Senate is a family affair for the Murkowskis. When Daddy went from the Senate to governorship, daughter Lisa (Deer Caught in the Headlights Look) Murkowski took the Senate seat. The other senator is stuttering Ted Stevens, the ultimate sleaze bag.
… It takes a big man to admit he was wrong and then pay a signficant fine on top of that. Kudos to Brian Aungst, former Clearwater mayor, for putting to rest an unpleasant episode.
… In what is typical honesty and integrity, Largo's police chief, Lester Aradi, made clear that transcription services for his department were not being requested on the basis of savings, but to enhance professionalism. That guy is golden.
… Speaking of law enforcement, Sheriff Jim Coats continues to run a top-grade department smoothly and efficiently. PCSO probably sets the standard for sheriff's departments all over the country.
… Why is there "World AIDS Day?" Why not a "World's Stomach Cancer Day?" or "Lung Cancer Day?" or "Stroke Day?" Etc. You get the point.
… Oops - 'scuse me. A recent recounting of the adventures (sometimes dangerous) that Largo police officers often experience mentioned "men" and neglected to note that "women" too are part of that force. Sorry, gals, my oversight (with five daughters one does not take females lightly).
… Two Largo figures are apparently headed for "close chums" status. One got the benefit of a football bowl outing in the holiday season thanks to the other; and the two will be at a national boondoggle junket come March.
… A scribbler for the Big Paper took note recently of something that has been aired here more than once in the past several years. That is the definition of Largo's "downtown." It's a place struggling to come into existence. (No charge for educating the ink stained wretches of the daily grind.)
… Is there anything more outrageous than the Pinellas County School Board? Is goes largely overlooked by the population. Recently one outraged parent, taxpayer and citizen and mother of a student had a complaint that she made at a public meeting. The kibosh was quickly put on her. Obviously the goal is "we don't want any bad news out there, folks." Censorship at the level of Nazi Germany. The School Board needs to be cleaned out - top to bottom.
… As a post script to that and to her credit, one member, Mary Russell, tried to stick up for free speech and the public and its right to speak, but that was buried under an avalanche of legal mumbo jumbo from the board's lawyer and half-baked judgments by some of her colleagues. It's a rat's nest over there, folks.