Love for cars
The new Howard Frankland is a revision. And part of the problem | line, February 19th
When will Americans become engrossed in cars, they start building rail systems, street cars and subways.
Tampa is a prime example of what I’m talking about. Billions of dollars have been spent over the years making so-called “improvements” to interchanges on Interstate 4, and now more Howard Frankland Bridges have created more gridlocks. It’s time for Tampa and America to give up on this idea of having two cars in every driveway.
Jack Stawicky, Beverly Hills
How about the cell tower?
The new Howard Frankland is pretty much here | February 16th
As a native of this area, I am extremely excited about how our area came together to meet its full potential. We have received nationally recognized higher education to mention some of our great weather, great beaches, world-class fishing and golf, a compelling arts and culture venue, three major professional sports teams (Let’s keep the rays of Tampa Bay!), and some of our community assets. The three bridges between Hillsboro and Pinellas County will help connect our diverse and diverse cities and towns, and are about to open a new Howard Frankland Bridge in a few months. At a cost of $865 million, it brings about 250,000 travelers every day. As Somon, who lives in Tampa and works in St. Petersburg, I am a frequent user and look forward to the new, expanded boulevard.
I have one request and I have no way beyond the gging. Set up a cell tower on the bridge so that it avoids “dead zones” and allows drivers to drop calls that occur when they reach the top of the bridge.
Steve Branny, Tampa
Hidden agenda
What you get from Florida Sales Tax Holidays | Column, February 20th
Scott Shelley, CEO of Florida’s Retail Federation, paraded long-standing debate on protecting his big box retailers in a recent guest column on Ron DeSantis’ proposal for a sales tax leave. It is true that all credit card purchases include transaction fees, but it is the non-consumer retailer who pays this fee. This fee will maintain the system used by retailers and consumers and applies to payments for fraudulent transactions. Shelley is merely insisting on transferring this expense from retailers who benefit from credit card systems to consumers and the financial services industry. I also praise the governor’s proposed sales tax holiday, but there’s no need to “swipe” in the local banking industry in the process.
Daniel J. Forte, Punta Goda
••••
Submit your letter at www.tampabay.com/opinion/submit-letter/. The letters are edited for clarity and length.
