Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Wednesday, July 14, 1976, page 6 (of 32)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
opinion
• editorials • commentary • letters
Aid a family
Two and a half weeks ago we ran a story about two youngsters who went out of their way to help an injured animal. We told how they were stuck with a bill from the vet, got hassled by police and got in trouble at home for staying out late. The day the story of their adventure appeared we started getting calls from people. Not just one or two but dozens. And letters. And donations of money for the considerate duo. All this from people who love animals and people who have a soft spot in their hearts for anyone that would go out of their way to help an animal. We think that's great. But now we hear of the story of a 6-year-old boy who accidentally fell into an abandonned swimming pool and drowned June 28. The Sweetwater Jaycees have attempted to establish a memorial fund to help the family out of their immediate financial crisis and also to publicize the necessesity of elimimating safety hazards. The Sun Bank of West Dade and the Jaycees are accepting contributions to the Todd Johnson fund. And how much have their received so far? Nothing. After the initial $25 donated by the Jaycees themselves, not one penny has come in to the fund which was established two weeks ago. Is there anyone out there who can find a parallel between a dog and a child?
Compromise due
It's not the first time the good citizens of Coral Gables have debated the question of whether or not they should be allowed to keep campers on their property. Back in May they tried to get commissioners to relax the camper law. At that time, campers were likened, by some, to "cheap signs" not in keeping with the Gables image. Now, the battle rages again. Residents who are not able to enclose their motor homes behind walls where they will not taint the esthetic delicacy of the City Beautiful, are relegated to parking them in other areas of Dade County. Yet boats and boat trailers of the same length may be parked on private property in full view of every single offended Gables commissioner. It's time to compromise and allow, within reason, camping minded Gableites to have ready access to their motor homes just as water minded citizens do to their boats.
the gables publishing company
serving south dade and coral gables since 1926 jim storey general manager bea moss managing editor gary gibbs news editor carole myers advertising manager bill mc hugh circulation yvonne moss classified manager address: 4627 ponce de leon blvd. coral gables, fla. 33146 telephone: 666-7981
camera comment
With more attention to fun than safety, Manuel Placies blithely rides off a ledge into Maule Lake on Miller Road. Manuel, of SW 100th Court in Snapper Creek, took turns with his buddies in the daredevil pastime. The youngsters also took turns retrieving the waterlogged bike. Manuel and his friends were lucky — no one was hurt. But the possibility exists and we'd like to see it discouraged.
Page packed with interesting stories
EDITOR: I read four interesting articles all on page six of your July 7 edition. The first was your picture of southbound 67th Avenue pointing the wrong direction. The second was the editorial commenting on the efficiency of South Miami's police force in handling the excessive traffic problems on U.S. 1. The third was your editorial comment on General Waterworks' demand for rate increase. The answers to all your problems are: "Join Metro." You won't need to spend your tax dollars for police. You won't need to fight with your tax dollar for the water situation. Incidentally, how many of you South Miami residents know that your fire department is Metro? You won't need salaries for your City Council, police and the rest. You can then have a personal reason for voting for your favorite politician. I neglected the fourth article of comment for a reason. It's the letter from R. Kuhneisen about heating our swimming pools. The idea of family unity is great. But the idea of heating water in a tropic climate has to be the most asinine thought every conceived. Tourists pay their dollars to cool off in our climate. We pay our dollars to go to Buenos Aires or Aspen to use their weather. Please, no money to heat our pools. GEORGE W. FLEMING 8721 SW 53rd St.
Boy Scout flags were impressive
EDITOR: The American flags displayed along the median strip of US 1 during the 4th celebration in the City of South Miaimi was very impressive. It was put up by the Boys Scouts of Troop 211 with the flags purchased by the South Miami Chamber of Commerce. In fact, the Chamber president, County Judge Dick Lantz himself was out at 8 a.m. on the 4th helping the Scouts. More power to the Chamber of Commerce in its efforts on behalf of the beautiful City of South Miami. This display was a welcome sight for travelers during the holiday weekend. MRS. PAUL PROTKO 8800 Caribbean Blvd.
Still a happy reader
EDITOR: I was happy, when I first moved to the Gables, to receive your newspaper through Welcome Wagon. I remained a subscriber and still enjoy The Times. GLORIA PONCIN Coral Gables