Castor is ‘forcing sanctuary policies’ on Tampa police, Uthmeier says | March 11
The recent article about the dispute between Attorney General James Uthmeier and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor over immigration enforcement shows how deeply political division shapes debate in Florida. Yet here in the Tampa Bay community, many of us still share the hope that our state and country can move forward together.
The United States was founded on a bold promise captured in our national motto, E pluribus unum — out of many, one. It means people from different backgrounds can live together under a shared commitment to liberty, law and human dignity. We have never fully realized that promise, but it has guided our long effort to become a freer and more humane nation.
Today, many Americans sense that wealth and influence have become too concentrated and that ordinary families are losing their voice. Many Florida families are struggling with rising housing and insurance costs, making it harder to build stable lives.
Renewing the American promise begins with strengthening what allows communities to thrive: upholding trust in democratic institutions, supporting local reporting that keeps citizens informed and building an economy where hard work can support a family.
Florida’s future should reflect the best of that promise. A state that welcomes those who come in good faith, respects the rule of law and offers every family a fair chance to build a stable future.
In the end, the strength of our republic will be decided by whether citizens live up to the ideals that bind us together.
Raymond Daddazio, St. Petersburg
Castor is ‘forcing sanctuary policies’ on Tampa police, Uthmeier says | March 11
Attorney General James Uthmeier’s letter to Mayor Jane Castor mischaracterizes the intent of Tampa’s policing policies. The Tampa Police Department is not a sanctuary agency. It is a professional department that understands a simple truth about public safety: Victims and witnesses must feel safe reporting crimes. When officers avoid questioning victims about immigration status, they are following a long‑standing and effective policing practice. This approach helps solve crimes and protects every resident.
The attorney general’s suggestion that people should fear immigration consequences even when they are victims undermines the very cooperation law enforcement depends on. Castor responded responsibly by stating that the city will review its policies while continuing to comply with state and federal law, including the existing agreement with federal immigration authorities.
Tampa is safest when every person can call the police without hesitation. That principle is not political. It is practical, proven and essential to effective policing.
Tom Feaster, Tampa
Castor is ‘forcing sanctuary policies’ on Tampa police, Uthmeier says | March 11
Instead of threatening, castigating, and just plain bullying Mayor Castor about Tampa using sanctuary policies to actually make us safer, how about Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Gov. Ron DeSantis openly criticizing President Donald Trump for pardoning more than 1,500 people for their participation in the January 6 riots, including Adam Johnson, who is running for the Manatee County Commission? And let’s not forget about the Honduran president, Juan Hernandez, who was serving 45 years for smuggling over 400 tons of cocaine into the United States.
David Lubin, Tampa
2 months in immigration jail, $25,000 in legal fees: ‘Our new reality’ | March 11
I don’t understand all the confusion and newsworthy hype. The man in the article came into the country illegally and needs to be dealt with according to immigration laws. He took the chance and should go home.
William Moore, Clearwater
For 30 years, he told the hidden stories of Tampa Bay. Now, here’s his | Feb. 20
To all those at the Tampa Bay Times and its readers, thank you for all the many acts of kindness shown us and for the many beautiful tributes written for our son, Joey Knight. We were and still are overwhelmed and humbled by them all. Joey loved his work at the Times, and by God’s grace, he was able to work right up till the end of his life on this earth. We imagine that he’s continuing that work, probably interviewing and writing stories about the saints in heaven. Learning to navigate this life without him is going to be difficult for our family, and your prayers are appreciated.
Alan and Karen Knight , Zephyrhills
King High wrestler Bella McFarlane crowned state champion | March 8
Hillsborough County quietly made history this wrestling season. Bella McFarlane of King High School became the county’s first girls’ Florida state wrestling champion. Behind her in the corner stood coach Michael Chiasson, a former Leto High School wrestler from the late 1990s who was known locally for his relentless pursuit of pins and earned the nickname “The Pin-Man.”
Nearly three decades later, Chiasson now finds himself guiding the next generation of wrestlers. McFarlane’s championship represents more than a single victory. It reflects the continued growth of girls’ wrestling in Florida and the passing of a tradition from one generation of athletes to the next.
Wrestling has deep roots in Tampa’s sports culture. Seeing a new generation of champions rise from those same mats reminds us that the spirit of the sport — discipline, resilience and perseverance — continues to thrive in Hillsborough County.
Frank Hahn, (Tampa native) Hercules, Calif.
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