Here's what readers are saying in Thursday's letters to the editor.
If the governor and his wife want to prove that it's nothing more than "slanderous, false accusations (being) hurled at Hope Florida," it would be very easy for them to do so. All they have to do is provide a complete accounting of how Hope Florida has spent its money. These are not stupid people. If they could prove that the money was being used to fulfill the organization's mission, they would have done so by now.
Scott Stolz, St. Petersburg
A new vision for the Trop site without the Rays? St. Pete Commons | Column, May 8
St. Petersburg has a once-in-a-generation chance to do something transformative with the 86-acre Gas Plant site -- and we need to get it right.
Former Mayor Rick Baker proposed a bold vision centered on a large public park, and a community-first development approach. He's right. This site should feature a commons -- a signature urban park that belongs to everyone.
Imagine a walkable, inclusive neighborhood where people live, work and gather, where local businesses thrive next to arts venues and green space, where a great park, like Boston Common or Central Park, anchors civic life in the heart of our city.
We can't achieve this by handing the whole project to one developer. Instead, the city should rebuild the street grid, hire a world-class planning firm, engage the public, and sell parcels over time to diverse builders. This will ensure long-term equity, quality and public benefit.
We must also honor the legacy of the Black families displaced from the Gas Plant area decades ago by putting jobs, ownership and opportunity at the center of the plan.
St. Petersburg doesn't need to rush. But we do need leadership rooted in vision, transparency and trust. The Gas Plant site is too important to get wrong. Let's make it a home run -- for everyone.