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U.S. 19 and Alt. 19 have a common bond

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 10, 2009

What topic instantly evokes a conversational bond among a diverse array of strangers from both Pasco and Pinellas counties?

It is of course recollections, to use a term suitable for a family newspaper, about traveling U.S. 19 and Alt 19.

After years of traveling between the two counties, I still wonder why federal highway officials feel Pinellas motorists are capable of traveling at 50 to 55 mph along U.S. 19, while Pasco drivers are only permitted to drive 45 mph.

Is there some secret consultant's report asserting Pasco drivers do not have the same reaction time as their Pinellas counterparts?

Motorists in both counties can find more similarities than differences when talk turns to U.S. 19 and Alt. 19 travel. For example:

Whether you are from either county, your frustration level and blood pressure increases upon realizing you are in the same lane with either a Pinellas or Pasco public transit bus.

You know you have to wait behind that stopped bus or dare trying to change travel lanes as other motorists whizz by. I wonder if there is a better way for these buses to utilize a major highway.

It is always comical to see other drivers eating or even grabbing sneak peaks at a book or newspaper resting on their steering wheel.

In Pinellas, you wonder whether that poodle sitting on the driver's lap will jump out the window, while in Pasco it's that Rottweiler mix you fear will leap from the F-150 truck bed.

Of course, a favorite is the SUV or pickup truck driver who cannot get his obnoxiously long vehicle into the entire center lane.

No matter whether you are from Pinellas or Pasco, you give this driver the same salute as you pass.

I wonder what bicyclists are thinking when they consider trekking along these routes.

I think we could market the local notoriety of these fabled roads to the national audience.

A country songwriter can pen a tune heralding love found and lost along U.S. 19 or cheating fools and heartaches along Alt. 19.

An aspiring software geek could develop an Internet game exploiting the perils of driving the roadways.

It could feature twists and turns, castoff couches in the roadway and Hummers darting out of shopping center parking lots.

Each road would have its own - no doubt well-read - blog.

Yes we could have a road as fabled as Route 66.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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