Letters to the editor

Kudos to staff

I just want to applaud you for your staff opinion column today (“Hacking and crimes of enlightenment” published March 8). I have almost given up hope on finding journalism that actually seems to understand the important role of journalists in our society!

Kudos!

—Pat Osborn

St. Paul, Minn.

Here’s what readers on wpmobserver.com are writing about the March 8 guest column “Celebrate Winter Park’s businesses” by Clyde Moore, owner of I LUV Winter Park, Inc.:

Great Clyde, well done, we moved to Winter Park in ’61, I went to Glenridge Middle School and the old Winter Park High School, now the ninth grade center, and have been a WP'er ever since, although I moved away to go to college, overseas, and am now in Houston, I still get back to WP when I can. I still call WP my "hometown", still have many friends and classmates in WP and Maitland. Please keep up the fight to keep Park Avenue historical and with charm and grace, most important for all of us, thanks for all that you are doing!

—Bill Gottfried

Houston, Texas

We have been in WP for 12 years, those around much longer than us say Park Avenue "transitions" every five to seven years. We have seen several shops "transition", several of the chain stores we frequented left when Mall at Millenia opened; others like Wood Stone and Steel closed about the same time. There is a feeling that Park Avenue is becoming more of a "restaurant row" but closings, Circa and Spice, may be countering openings. Landlords often get the top line in why a business is closing but most know the market well and will work to the extent they can to keep tenants; sometimes the business is just not strong enough to make the commitment. The best thing we can do is support the local businesses we care for so much by frequenting them. We remember doing much of our Christmas shopping in downtown Winter Park 10-12 years ago — those stores are gone. No value judgment — perhaps we have transitioned and will continue to do so, and we will continue to miss the old favorites!

—Jack Miles

Winter Park

I love your article. My grandmom lived in Maitland forever until she passed away three weeks ago. My sister now lives in her home; my mom went to Winter Park High School and I have cousins who attend the same school now. Winter Park and Maitland hold wonderful memories for me. And now my sister, Jana Rice, has started Peak-Season-Pops in Winter Park and would love to get more involved in the festivals that your beautiful city has to offer. So for everyone who loves supporting local businesses, please check out Peak-Season-Pops coming to a sidewalk near you. (Hopefully)

—Jessica Lasky Harmes

Acworth, Ga.

Clyde, Thanks for a great article and for your work to highlight all our local merchants. Your appreciation of what makes Winter Park a special community is shared by everyone I meet. We are indeed the best place to live, work and play. Circa and Spice will be missed! See you on the Avenue!

—Carolyn Cooper

Winter Park city commissioner