Re: The death in a crash of state Road Ranger Donald Bradshaw Sunday, March 5.

Reading in The Tampa Tribune about the tragic circumstances of Mr. Bradshaw’s untimely and senseless death last week, I would like to comment.

First of all, I did not know Mr. Bradshaw and I believe that is my loss. But about five weeks ago, our paths crossed on I-275. I was stranded with a blown tire early in the morning on my way to work. I was not there more than eight or ten minutes when the Department of Transportation vehicle driven by Mr. Bradshaw arrived. Within fifteen minutes, he had the tire changed and I was ready to continue on.

We exchanged a few pleasantries and comments about the traffic and how people drive mostly asleep at the wheel. I asked him if there was a fee for this service and he replied, “No, Sir”—with emphasis stating that this was a service provided by DOT. I started to reach into my pocket anyway, but he waved me off.

We parted ways with my hearty “Thank you.”

I now wish that we would have had a few more minutes to chat, but our duties called—mine, to an office, his to help some other unfortunate soul.

To his family, my deepest sympathies and prayers: “May God comfort you and give you strength.”

Dennis Walker.
Tampa

From the Tampa Downtown Partnership… Downtown parkers take note:

A new surface parking lot is now available. Located on the southeast corner of Marion and Washington streets, behind SunTrust Financial Centre, this lot is renting spaces at $3 per day or $65 per month.

For details, call (813) 228-7722, extension 241. Remember, the Partnership maintains a complete list of parking options available downtown including sites that are convenient to the In-Town Trolley shuttles.

Call (813) 221-3686 for details.

Also, from the Partnership:

Did you know that downtown employees are eligible for a comprehensive commuter benefits program including subsidized vehicles, free emergency taxi rides home, reduced fare on trolleys, and more?

This is all possible now that Tampa’s downtown was designated as a Best Workplace for Commuters (http://www.bwc.gov/) District by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Call the Partnership at (813) 221-3686 to schedule a briefing on how a company can become eligible for a corporate version of the same EPA designation—with similar benefits to employees.