RAY HOWZE: Hats off to Mayor Billy Hewes

Mayor Billy Hewes wrote a poignant and very timely article concerning projects and opportunities lost to the overall city and its inhabitants, namely the Turkey Creek Watershed and 33rd Avenue High School improvement projects.

To begin, I totally agree with what the mayor has written. We lost out big time. I know the combatants who fought these projects personally. They are caring, decent citizens who truly believe in their fight. To those in opposition, we have another shot at these sorely needed improvement projects.

Your concerns are being addressed more vigorously than even the last time around. History and tradition are wonderful things, but please keep in mind that we are a rapidly growing and expanding city. Canal Road needs to be extended as an escape route during inclement weather and to be developed for homes and commerce.

I went to and graduated from 33rd Avenue High School and dearly love it. But as I see it now, it breaks my heart. It cannot be repaired and is a danger to the public that might enter it. Tear it down and use the $23 million for site and neighborhood improvements that will benefit all. If you really loved the school, it will never leave your heart.

Thanks for keeping your eyes on the prize, Truck Casey, Sonya Williams-Barnes, Gary Fredericks and Dr. John Kelly

Hats off to you and right on target, Mayor Hewes.

RAY HOWZE

Gulfport

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 7:23 PM with the headline "RAY HOWZE: Hats off to Mayor Billy Hewes ."