TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

A Bah-Humbug Does Damage

ADVERTISEMENT

By SUSAN M. GREEN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

RIVERVIEW - The holiday season has just begun, but in Boyette Springs, a grinch has set about stealing it.

Dave Kulow, president of the subdivision's special taxing district, said community leaders are offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with the theft of two large lighted wreaths that had flanked the development's entrance at Tarragon Drive. He said the wreaths were discovered missing Saturday night.

Someone also stole bulbs and vandalized light strings at another entrance, he said.

The taxing district is responsible for maintenance of the entryways and the grounds around them, Kulow said.

"We're a volunteer board," he said. "We're frugal with the people's money. This is a stab in the back."

He said the board labored 40 hours or more to negotiate a contract and spent about $5,000 to deck out the entrances this season. He couldn't estimate how much was lost because of theft and vandalism, but he said there's no money to replace the wreaths. The contract calls for $100 per repair visit, Kulow said.

Last year, vandals pulled light strands off monuments, he said.

"It isn't just annoying," Kulow said. "It's a waste of taxpayers' money, and it affects everything."

He said the idea of setting up a special taxing district and collecting money from homeowners for community maintenance and enhancement is intended to keep property values up. But he said prospective homebuyers won't be impressed with broken baubles.

"If you see Christmas decorations damaged or destroyed, chances are you will drive on by," he said. "It isn't just a simple act of vandalism. It has repercussions."

Kulow said he doesn't know whether the district's trustees will continue to budget money for holiday decor.

"It's no small effort we put forth," he said. "When somebody does this, it's just a slap in the face. You only take so many slaps and you say it's not worth it."

Hillsborough sheriff's officials said thefts and vandalism of holiday displays have occurred elsewhere in the county, though they had not had many reports this season.

Sheriff's office spokesman J.D. Callaway said residential and commercial displays are easy targets. Security cameras and lighting can make them less vulnerable, he said, but he acknowledged that such protection can be costly.

CAN YOU HELP?

Anyone with information about the theft and vandalism at Boyette Springs is asked to call Dave Kulow, president of the subdivision's special taxing district, (813) 671-1544 or the sheriff's office at (813) 247-8700.

Reporter Susan M. Green can be reached at (813) 865-1566 or sgreen@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT