TAMPA -- A three-judge panel has ruled that "Airstream Ranch" is legal, which reverses a $100-per-day fine imposed on RV dealer Frank and Dorothy Bates, who installed the row of silver RVs along Interstate 4 in 2007, the St. Petersburg Times reported.
County officials have 30 days to appeal the decision to the 2nd District Court of Appeal in Lakeland, the Times reported.
According to the St. Petersburg Times, the judges did not consider the artistic merits or whether the display is constitutionally protected free speech. They simply ruled that county officials had not produced substantial, competent evidence establishing that the display created a nuisance, was a commercial sign or constituted an open storage of the vehicles.
After winning the legal battle, Bates said he wanted to draw even more attention to the artistic work. "Now we're going to light it at night," he said.
To read the complete story in the St. Petersburg Times, click here.
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