My heart aches for this Deputy Sheriff and the family of this brave policeman. I am kind of partial to the military and the Law Enforcement folks. It's a job that most can't do, and only some try.

So whom-ever you pray to, please include him in your prayers. Senseless shooting over drugs.

As the story unfolds, it has been reported that the suspect has been arrested. GOOD. Thank goodness the law enforcement family didn't have to wonder who else will become a victim.

May God Bless the Deputy who took a bullet; and return him to his family in one piece. Bless the department that will emotionally feel this pain, and give them strength to continue their fight in the War on Drugs.

Labels: Tampa

http://www.soundoffandbeheard.blogspot.com/

I was nose-ing around other blogs, and found that April Griffin has a blog and she want's some input about the school system.

Normally I stick to topics that prick my blood, but she brings up a good outlet. So I went over and posted a comment. I am not sure it will appear, after I wrote a heartfelt response, I found that it had some other sign on process.

Regardless, if you are a resident of Hillsborough County and you give a rats behind about our future leaders (current students) or the education system, give her a shout. I would ask that you be mindful of your manners, and not slam. To get results, you need to be productive.

With that said, and my tongue in cheek post about my own school experience, let me say this. I was not traumatized by my experience. It actually molded me to who I am today. A realistic woman that knows there are many walks of life out there, and you must overcome and learn to protect yourself.

Finally, for the Hillsborough County School Board... someone needs a clue. School systems aren't changing; people are changing. Go back to the basic 3 R's and let's set the parents straight. Not the other way around. Society as a whole SUCKS. I have a sibling with children and she would tell me how it was the teachers responsibility to do this or that. BOILED my blood. She would call the teachers and say she can't get perfect child number 2 to attend school, they need to help her... Well perfect child number 2 didn't finish high school with the rest of his class, I believe he went to some reform school of sorts... What does that tell you about the PARENTING skills??????? And why is it the teachers responsibility??? Stop allowing parents the opportunity to neglect their duties.

Labels: Hillsborough County

Jennifer Porter wants to teach. The state wants to think about revoking her license. She has been on probation for how long, and now they want to finalize it. She states she wants to teach. I want to see her smile. I am not a huge smiley person, but this person has never cracked a smile EVER.

Do we really need more pent up- emotional- angry- uptight teachers? I think this girl has served her time. If the Governor wants to give felons back their right to vote, claiming their debt to society has been served, why can't this girl keep her license?

As tragic as the accident was, it was not malicious or intention. She freaked out. She had a huge lapse in judgement and lived her life in a fishbowl for a split second decision that caused her grief and the inability to ever smile again. But she did not do this in the classroom. Teaching is what you do, not who you are...

I could rant about the teachers from my day, the teachers that fondled the girls, the PE Teachers that would repeatedly ask the chesty girls to run extra miles, the math teacher who would say, 'give me some love and I will show you the A. Or the dozens of teachers who misused their influence and ruined lives IN SCHOOL. The drama teacher that decided to film Laurie Licks Lincoln. yeah yeah yeah you think it was only in recent years... NOT hardly!

She did not creep into these children's bedrooms and molest them. I stand on the fence as to her guilt. I believe everyone holds responsibility. Same with the above-mentioned scenarios. I was busty, I had a killer figure, and lets face it, I knew it. Did I cause this? Perhaps.

To take away her license is not productive. If she got a DUI she would still be able to teach.
If she had a car accident that killed someone and she didn't leave the scene, she would still be teaching. The children are still dead. But she would still be teaching. Not productive I tell you!

Labels: Tampa's teacher wants to teach

Normally I try to stay off my soap box on personal issues. However, this weekend so many people lost their lives doing what we do daily. DRIVING. The most senseless was the backhoe of sorts driver that was driving on U.S. Hwy 19 at 8:25 p.m (more than dusk) without lights on. A 58 year old man swerved after seeing him and died. One other driver is in critical condition.

The driver has been charged with vehicular homicide. Across the water 2 were killed by a DUI driver. Every day I pray when I get on the road and I pray for my friends and family. If you think I am kidding, you're crazy. Driving today is not only a serious business, it's a risk that gives no second chances. Death is final.

Drives me nuts (no pun intended). I cannot tell you how many red light runners there are on any highway. I used to be the girl of quick reaction time. When the light hit green I gunned it, (hey if John Force can do it, so can I). However, I am now the girl with the hot mattel car that waits before hitting the gas in any intersection. I am thinking of getting rid of the plastic car and getting a Humvee. Totally tubular I say. AND SAFE!

I guess the close of this weekend is more than sad, but also it comes with perplexity. I hate to drive on U.S. Hwy 19 on a good day, why the heck would a backhoe drive at 8:25 p.m. ?

Time for FDOT and the Highway Patrol get on the stick with these idiots.

Labels: Bad drivers

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2845521/show/17676/channel/tvclips

I had to watch this a couple of times. Thanks to Out in Left Field for the preview.

The previous Mayor said by cutting off a penis, you should be removed from your job. I wonder if the nifty residents of Largo realized he didn't have a penis, or was that backbone, and that is why he was not re-elected? I am just asking you know, because in the world he lives in, unless you were born with a penis, it appears as though you can't do a good job.

I will not attack the former Mayor on a blog, but I find it funny the good ole folks of Largo are embarrassed by the outrage of a person exercising their right do whatever they want. Largo has a history of ill decisions. Let's take the Largo Police Dept. For many years they were the butt of many jokes, they once had a police chief that didn't wear shoes in the office. This was in the 1980's not the 1880's. They have had plenty of misgivings, the Largo 8, that crime ridden mobile home park that laundered at least 20.00 a Friday night, and then we have commissioners that are at a loss over deciding what is good for the people and worry about what would the First Baptist Church of Hypocrites think. The Rev Charlie Martin ought not to cast that tumbling stone. I believe his glass house has a few dings in it...

Best of Luck to Largo... here we grow like idiots again.

So I stood outside the Hyatt in downtown tonight and I watched how the Bell Hop had to call over several times the waiting cab at the corner. A guy wanted to go to the airport. First the bellman yelled, no response. Next he walked out a little in the road area, still no response. He finally walked clearly in the middle of the road, and the cab driver finally inched up and said (within ear shot) where is he wantin' ta go? The handsomely dressed bellman said the airport, the cabbie said hm ok.

Why doesn't this hotel have a shuttle to the airport? Why is it that on that very same corner during the day you see cabs just parked there?

Enough of that. Tonight I had the pleasure of visiting with the Tour Florida rep. Spell it out with me... C L U E L E S S ... As we discussed (I discussed, she looked glazed over from the 3 complimentary glasses of wine) the need for mass transit, and the combined counties needing to get on the stick with Mass Transit. She actually said to me, you just don't get it. It's really the County Commissioners fault, they don't want to share the wealth.

Sweetheart boy do I get it. You have zero clue or inkling to what makes this City, or neighboring Cities tick. I quizzed said drunk rep about the Grand Prix, and she said no one really came for that. I said you realize YOU can't get there from here, right? She laughed and squinted her nose, saying, you are sooooo funny. seriously.

I find the tourism department for Hills County extremely antiquated, and without merit in their cause.

I outlined for her the issues of not getting around downtown just as a group of 75 youth walked like a chain gang up Tampa Street heading oh you know, that way... I said wouldn't it be great if those traveling dollars were spending money some where instead of walking like Zombies because they don't know where to go?

I will tell you this, if it hadn't been for the free liquor, she wouldn't have attended, and that my friend is the issue behind the glass... More on this later...

Labels: Mass Transit

I spotted a few taxi signs. I felt it was interesting to take note. Hmm has transit started to catch on? For a flat fee $22.00 you can get a ride to the airport (up to 7 passengers). I was shocked. This was really interesting. I also spotted a sign, Cruise Valet $100 now, the question was this. Was that $100.00 or $1.00? Funny most thought it was $1.00. I was shocked at how someone thought valet parking for a cruise could be $1.00. So I asked a few people standing bye and they said go over and ask. I was fearful of my life being taken as I crossed the area where the cars were parked. So I decided I would check another time.

Many folks arriving for the Legend's big send off today were milling around asking what is there to do in Tampa after the cruise? I made a few suggestions and even hand wrote for a few folks what to see in Tampa.

The port needs someone there informational, not selling time shares to let the folks know what to do in Tampa. Hmm think I am on to something here...

Hello Tourism Director, take a note here...

If you get a chance to cruise on the Legend, I think you will like her. I toured the ship today. I have been on her sisters and this ship is equally as nice as the others. Nice decor so you are not thinking of Peptol Bismal (the Miracle is gawdy pink)

Labels: Port of Tampa

I am angry. I loved John Winters as a weather expert. I truly admired and listened to what he had to say about the weather. He did not jump around and get out of touch with the weather Gods that spike a fever when they think they will have more face time on tv.

His departure has left me sad and angry. This coming hurricane season will have me floundering for some peace and tranquility.

Tomorrow when the tiles blow off the roof and small animals fly through the air, I will wonder what is John thinking now? He left too soon.

This week has turned a frustrating Tampa Bay situation into a quest for answers from the ole Nite Cricket. On Monday morning at 525 am I headed to Tampa International Airport for a flight to South Florida. Dropped my car off at short term parking and poked around a little before my flight. I spoke with 2 taxi drivers from 2 separate companies. Interesting dialogue actually. There are more than just one taxi driver with a point of view.

As I boarded the plane, I thought of the airport I was about to land in, and I decided to skip the rental car and grab a cab for the whole day. Fort Lauderdale here I come. I found out that our sisters in the South end of the State have it going on. Did you know you can grab a bus in the Fort Lauderdale area and take it all the way to Miami? You can buy a pass that allows you multiple trips for meager pennies. And did you know 3 of my cab drivers were polite, informative and took me around to see trains, planes and bus stops?

Tampa has a huge hurdle to jump. The area down there seems to work together with it's neighboring 400 cities. Interesting concept.

More later.

Labels: Mass Transit

Did you know that the Basketball finals brought in millions of dollars? Did you know that the Grand Prix brought in millions of dollars? What I am sure you know is this. You can't get there from here.

If you wanted to go from the game in Tampa to the Gulf Beaches you need to rent a car. If you wanted to leave the race because you were drown out by the noise or you were a companion to a huge fan, and wanted to shop instead of smelling the oil burning, you couldn't get to Tampa from there without a car.

Tourism is my business, and the local area is my market. I am afraid to say, you can't get there from here. That is the title of my new book of travel.

Seriously. Let's talk about dollars to our economy. To rent a car you have to be at least 21 or 25 with most major companies. The college finals brought in thousands of college kids. Last I checked, most college seniors were under 22. (with the adult learner exception). HUGE loss of revenue. Restaurants in South Tampa, North Tampa, Middle Tampa, didn't get to enjoy the increase of visitors. Frankly, downtown couldn't accommodate them, Ybor saw visitors at night. Great for Ybor, but there is more to life in Tampa than Ybor.

Which brings me to my next point. In 2 short years another Superbowl is among us. Oh yes, that's right, we had it here in 2000 and what a nightmare for people. By the way, I have been contacted for rooms already. When the National Political Convention looked at us, what did they see???? Tampa can't house everyone, and YOU CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE.

I took 3 days out of my business day, one day I took 6 folks with me. The total not including the cost of salary was approximately $100.00. Add in the overpaid people (just kidding you very important people) and it was still less than 1000.00 to figure out we need change. When the Positive Thinking Guru's come to town at the Convention Center 8 square blocks are slammed. I cannot get my morning latte' because visitor Joe is at my stand saying is there a Starbucks down here anywhere?

Therefore the conventions and groups are looking elsewhere. See ya later money. Goodbye revenue. Hello empty middle district businesses.

There is a plan but it doesn't need a feasibility study, nor a 350,000 grant to underwrite it.

Take a ride on the reading... Or take a book to read and try out Mass Transit.

Labels: Mass Transit

I took that ride in Pinellas County, where I am a little more familiar with the scenery regarding the bus situation. I rode from one end of the county to the other with 2 changes. Pretty impressive. What wasn't impressive was one of the stops where I thought I had to get off and was scared to death. By scared to death I mean, I had to use the bathroom so bad I was wishing for Astronaut underwear.

The bay way is by far the scariest of all. Even the bus driver looked like they were packing and I don't mean Easter presents.

I took one cab and found the cab driver to be polite, informative and very well mannered. When I handed him a 20.00 dollar bill (fare was 7.25) he immediately dug out change and didn't whine. I felt like I was in heaven. I turned and said, thank you, and gave him the change. NOT the 75 cents, the 12.75. I wanted to see if he would give me change, that is a huge pet peeve of mine. For instance, you go to a restaurant that cashes you out at your table, TOTALLY TACKY. And they round up. The bill is 52.10 and you give 60.00 they give you back 7.00. Now you know this is not sufficient for a tip, so you will be adding to it. 90 cents is not life altering, it's just principle.

Anyway, Pinellas seems to have mass transit in general a disorganized manner. If I wanted to use the bus for work and I lived in Seminole, and I had to bus to downtown St Pete I would be in luck. However, if I lived in Seminole and needed to go Tarpon Springs, pack food and a change of clothes...

Time schedules are not conducive for anyone on a schedule inside of a three hour window. If you need to cross the bridge to work where they pay a better wage, forget it. You can get there but you will get a hotel afterwards, it's entirely draining.

Next week I am tackling Pasco. Stay tuned I have a feeling it will be entertaining.

Labels: Mass Transit

Previous man friends would kid me about my "crush" on John Winters. I would wake up with or without a visitor and hit channel 8 so I can see John. Normally, I dislike weather people in general with the exception of an old one my grandmother loved, Roy Leep. I remember the dog. Anyway, John Winter is special. He held your attention, he didn't seem to take things so serious (jokes played not weather) however, he had a lonesome one type of persona in my opinion.

I was quite shocked he didn't continue to live in Pinellas County, most native types continue living in the county, and don't dare cross the bridge. I am a troll I live under the bridge (ha)

Back to my point. On Friday morning, I clicked on the tv to get the weather from Channel 10 because John had been filling in for the evening shift (which thrilled me nonetheless) and I couldn't bare to change the channel. Regardless, morning weather is not the same, the community is not the same and I feel horrible for the friends and family that lost him. I feel horrible that I lost him. Many copycats are seething at the moment to make this about them. When in fact suicide, depression and the like are to be handled by professionals. I won't play armchair quarterback here, and no loss of life is similar, it's all personal, I pray that he is at peace and his friends find peace in his transition to heaven.

Tampa lost a resident that cared and it seems somewhere along the line, he didn't realize it. He didn't realize how important he was to each of us.

Make today a brighter place for your family and loved ones, let them know you care. Don't dwell and have to enter it on a guestbook, do it now while they know it.

Labels: RIP John Winters

My favorite weather guy passed away today. The details are not important. He left this world for a better place. I really loved John Winters. I would get up after an all night writing session to see his morning weather. When he was on Oprah, I watched with stars in my eyes. He was really handsome. One day while attending a Chamber function in Eastern Hills County (Brandon I think) I spotted him at the Sam's Club getting beads for a parade.

The weather will be a little damp this weekend with Mr. Winter gone. I hope everyone leaves the details at the door and remembers the wonderful man he is.

Labels: RIP John Winters

Today I personally rode the mass transit misfit of Tampa. Armed with my map, cell phone, pocket full of quarters and dollars, 2 water bottles, and cheese and crackers. I started in the West end of Tampa and ended up completely lost.

The route was so messed up, that I decided to call a cab. I had the best cab driver in the world. He was so polite, and as I explained what I was doing he gave me a lot of good hints to share with the "traveling" folks. Some of the misinformation about traveling to Tampa is you can't get a cab at the airport. He explained travelers need to check with the hotels they are staying at to see if they offer shuttles or if they have sent a car that way for pickup.

A funny story he shared had me feeling like I had been hugged. He never complained that this was a lousy job (like the previous cab driver did) and that cab company was ripping him off. He explained benefits would be nice, but his wife had a good job and she had the benefits, and he had the flexible schedule. He told me where not to send clients on vacation or visitors if you want to see them again, but he didn't make it seem like Tampa was the ghetto.

I ended up back in downtown and took a trolley ride from Ybor to Channelside and I realized at that point, the trolley was useless. It didn't travel far enough and besides me and curbside Charley, it was empty. Charley said it was because a lot of folks came down here for spring break last week.

Tomorrow is bus riding in Pinellas. Wish me luck... I am looking forward to the Yellow cab ride, they are my preferred.

Easter will be here in just a few short days. The most religious holiday of all. This is where it all started, and I am wondering how come it isn't a holy day. Tomorrow is Good Friday and as a good CEO Catholic (I borrowed that) I will be at Stations of the Bar (I mean cross).

Much warning to all the diners on Friday night, if it's a restaurant that services fish or seafood it will be packed. Tampa will be overcome with the Easter follies.

What do you have planned?

Labels: Easter

My writing had me away on assignment, and all I can tell you is this... Tampa is really messed up. Media and Metro mix and the ingredients are not mixing well with others.

While the City of Hopes/Dreams/NonMass Transit exists, it fails in such areas that it makes you wonder what is happening with all this junk.

TIA is one of the top airports in the country and the parking cannot accommodate the traffic. So you want to fly out of here, but you have no where to park your car for drop off or for your friends to pick you up.

As for the cab situation, (before I am flamed by the self proclaimed expert let me clarify) is not customer friendly. You wait for long periods of time to get a cab in rush times, if you are calling one from your home or hotel you are faced with a 50/50 crap shoot you will arrive on time. Not to mention the danger you place yourself in when you step into the under-insured vehicles.
That's right, did you know cab's are not required to carry large amounts of insurance. Just the standard, 10/20 liability?

Last week a group took 6 cab rides for the upcoming study to determine what was already known, to only find out that 4 out of 6 cabbies took more than the expected time to arrive, talked about TIPS on the ride, and took deliberate paths that were more lengthy. Also, when asked about buses, they were told they don't run around here.

Now for the busing issue, not a pretty one either. Did you know you can't get there from here, and if you get there, you will never get back here from there the same way? When the bus drivers were quizzed they stated the routes change with the time of the day. How convenient is that? One rider mentioned they would catch a cab to meet the bus at another location, and the driver said good luck with that. She (the bus driver continued) if you are not at a strip club, you won't catch a cab unless you wave 100 dollar bills around. Then you are taking your life in your hands.

Interesting how the transit folks want equality and all that jazz, but the customer is the one who is really left "behind".

Disclaimer: I read many blogs and have read taxi and bus driver blogs, the story is the same. Not enough money, not enough tips, not enough anything. My views are my views like it or not. When tipping and how much money you make is all you discuss with your fares, you are pond scum.