Deltona commission tussles over Toys for Tots sign

DELTONA, Fla. — Changes could be coming to a Deltona city ordinance after controversy involving a Toys for Tots sign.

The city fined the owners of a pet shop $60 last Wednesday for putting up a sign telling people they were collecting toys for needy children as part of the Toys for Tots program.

The city said the sign was a snipe sign, which is prohibited.

Only Eyewitness News was at a City Commission meeting Monday night where commissioners vowed to take action.

The owners of the shop still have the sign up Monday.

The commission faced a lot of heat over this.

They plan to hold a workshop in the coming weeks to review the city's sign ordinance.

The white sign with signature red choo-choo train is a holiday staple.

Toys for Tots encourages people to drop off new toys for less fortunate children.

"That shows, I'm sorry, City Hall refusing to collect for charities, for children," business owner Jody Storozuk said.

Storozuk and his fiancée came to the Deltona City Commission meeting to sound off after a code enforcement officer cited them because the sign violates city ordinance.

Even strangers showed up to give support.

"This has caused the city harm and damage to the reputation," resident Doug MacDonald said.

"I wish this hadn't been brought to the public light because it really puts a bad light on the city of Deltona," said another woman.

Commissioner Webster Barnaby agreed and made it known.

"I'm going to tell you right now if we got a problem we got to fix it. I'm sick of playing games," Barnaby said.

Another commissioner pounced on the city sign ordinance which doesn't allow so-called snipe signs in city limits.

"It needs to be thrown out and completely re-written in two to three paragraphs," commissioner Chris Nabicht said.

In the coming weeks commissioners will hold a special workshop to discuss the ordinance.

Back at Happy Tails pet grooming, the donation box is almost full.

The owners will continue to collect toys and fines if they have to.

"If it costs me $60 every week between now and Christmas and I still collect presents for children. I'm fine with it," Storozuk said.

WFTV