Couple Faces Hefty Fines Over Garden Ornament
In a quiet neighborhood in The Villages, Florida, a seemingly innocent lighthouse ornament caused quite a stir for Joseph and Lauree Aragona. The couple, known for their beautifully decorated home featuring palm trees and plant pots, found themselves in hot water when they received a threatening notice of daily fines amounting to $500 due to the presence of the lighthouse ornament in their garden.
The saga began in September 2021 when a complaint was lodged against the Aragonas, leading them to reluctantly remove the ornament. However, much to the surprise of their neighbors, the lighthouse made a swift return to its spot just days later, defying the warnings of potential financial penalties. Joseph Aragona expressed his confusion over the situation, questioning why his ornament faced scrutiny while others in the neighborhood seemingly escaped such strict enforcement.
This incident sheds light on a broader issue within The Villages community, where residents have faced similar challenges regarding their garden decorations. In a previous case, Penny Sansevieri from California was instructed to take down a pumpkin from her fence to comply with homeowner association regulations, with fines looming as a consequence of non-compliance. Similarly, Jose and Demeris Heinsen found themselves embroiled in a dispute with their homeowner association over the presence of white garden stones on their property.
As tensions rise over seemingly trivial matters, The Villages Community Development District Number 9 remains at the center of attention, with residents and authorities grappling over the fine line between personal expression and community standards.
For more information, visit The Villages News.
