Clearwater removes flagpoles in attempt to save cash (FL. I think I Am About To Combust)

BayNews9 ^

[SiVisPacemParaBellum]

Thank God I left before they finally took down the flag.

Between the scientology take over, the crooks, and feeble minded fools on the council, they've run just about every business out of the downtown area, and the hotel/motel business is disappearing with high rise condos taking over the gulf front. Say good bye to the tourist dollars, say hello to tax hikes and more squandering of money.

May they all go to the big 'round about' in the sky, or I should say below, wherever it may be. (The Clearwater people will get my drift.)

[12Gauge687]

Might also have to do with liability. In construction, we recommend removal of scaffolding by a certain date during the construction (i.e. within 15 days of completion of tuckpointing) so other subcontractors can’t use it for their purposes. Often, the sub who specified the scaffolding asks to be indeminified.

Since the town of Clearwater can’t get everyone to hold the town harmless or indemnify it, removal was likely a cheap option. Whether the town is self-insured or uses a commercial company, somebody probably told them the unmaintained poles would be a liability issue.

[steve86]

Lighting is even more expensive, perhaps $100/night. Add those costs for each and every flag.

B.S. alarm on that one.

Where I am, a 500 watt light costs just over $1/day if left on 24 hours.

In Florida, rates are somewhat higher, but then the utility is paying wholesale rates. So it is still going to be less than $1/night.

[sportutegrl]

“Where can we cut the budget that would draw the most attention and sympathy for our plight?”

[TangoLimaSierra]

...why spend money to remove the flag poles?

Exactly. The money tear them down would probably pay for the upkeep for a couple of years. OTH the Unibama whole-heartedly supports the plan.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

My error.

[ridesthemiles]

OK, shut down the lights, maybe ask for boy scout or other civic group volunteers to pull flag duty daily, but why spend money to remove the flag poles? Afraid someone will raise the Gadsden Flag?”

It is beyond my comprehension that there would not be enough Scouts- Veterans- military retirees, etc, who would be very glad to take over these chores.

Clearwater should be ashamed of itself.

[bikerman]

Just get rid of the union government workers who were assigned to remove the flag poles probably took half a dozen to do the job.

[maine-iac7]

It would have cost nothing to leave the poles in place. And just not fly the flags.
However, it must have been quite expensive to have them all removed...and that money could, no doubt, have kept the flags flying for some time - in a city that benefits greatly from the U.S. Coast Guard Station there...

Outrageous

Let them know: do not email as they will make your address public. Write, phone or FAX
http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/city_council/biographies/bio1.asp

Frank V. Hibbard (Mayor) - Seat 1 CAN YOU BELIEVE HE’s REPUBLICAN!

John Doran - Seat 2
George N. Cretekos - Seat 3
Carlen A. Petersen - Seat 4

Paul F. Gibson (Vice-Mayor) - Seat 5

Mailing Address:
Official Records and Legislative Services Department
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758-4748

Location Address:
Clearwater City Hall
112 S. Osceola Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756

Telephone:
(727) 562-4090

Fax:
(727) 562-4086

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm

[devane617]

I posted a link to the Parks and Recreation website above. Although, it does not list any names in the org chart. I have no idea who the P&R manager is, although he was quoted as the person who ordered the removal of the fags and poles.

[NonValueAdded]

word is that the Mayor was unaware of this until it appeared in print and now will nip it. At a minimum I expect the poles will remain standing.

TJ was right, "price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Keep watching, my FRiends.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thanks for that added information. I know someone thinking of moving to Clearwater. I forwarded them this article and suggested they might want to rethink their decision.

Would like to update them if this indeed turns out to be not what really occurs.

(I still warn them about the Scientologists in Clearwater, however....)

[devane617]

Good work!!! I suspect Clearwater City Hall was getting the phone system and email system loaded...Probably will be huge mess tomorrow.

[NonValueAdded]

No credit claim here ... spoke to a friend who knew some people and this is what they came back with. But it is a good win for us all.

[pollywog]

Any updates on this story????

[NonValueAdded]

A flag flap forces flip-flop

and

American flag will remain at Clearwater parks, buildings (Update:Clearwater,FL)