Local

Commissioners do away with Windermere shop sign limits

WINDERMERE, Fla. — Some Windermere residents say they don't want see big tacky store signs ruining the character of their community.

The signs may start popping up soon because of new shopping center sign rules.

Before the Shoppes at Windermere went up in 1999, the developer agreed to an ordinance limiting the number and size of the center's signs.

Last month, Orange County commissioners eliminated the ordinance with little discussion.

"Motion carries unanimously," Mayor Teresa Jacobs had said at the meeting.

The developer of the Shoppes at Windermere wants to practically double the size of the existing sign, adding two more store names to it and wants to add a new sign.

Residents said the signs will block the view around the corner, destroy the park-like feel and contribute to a strip mall look.

"We don't want it to look like another strip mall on Orange Blossom (Trail)," said Bob Horner, president of the Windermere Wylde homeowners association.

"I've been fighting 26 years, Bob probably longer than that, and the community around here, mainly Windermere residents, have been doing it over 30 years," resident Terry Schultz said.

With the decision already made, they are worried time is running out.