LEESBURG, Fla.,None — A code enforcement controversy could shut down a Halloween attraction that a Lake County man built to give back to his community.
He told WFTV that he spent $2,000 to turn a 130-year-old house in Leesburg into a neighborhood haunted house.
The city said it initially thought this was going to be a small project with few decorations, but it now considers this an attraction, and said the set-up for that kind of operation is considered dangerous.
The dark, creepy haunted home was the brainchild of Red Heistand. It started early this year. Heistand said his idea was to build a neighborhood haunted mansion open a few days right around Halloween.
He spoke to city zoning officials.
Heistand said he was told, "It's only 7 to 10 days, don't worry, you don't need any permits."
So he went to work, spending six hours a day crafting a house that would send chills down your spine.
But after months of planning and building, he said the city suddenly decided to pull the plug.
"I was told I could do it. I did it, and they stopped it," Heistand said.
So why did somebody in the city initially tell Heistand that he could do the haunted house without a permit?
City spokesman Robert Sargent said it was initially represented as a small place with a few decorations.
This is a business -- an amusement attraction that must comply with strict state guidelines, Sargent said.
It has wiring problems and needs an automatic sprinkler system, according to city officials. The project was killed six days before it was set to open.
"It breaks my heart, it really does," Heistand said.
Red said he may try meet the state standards next year, but he fears it will cost tens of thousands of dollars to do the work.
Looking for Orlando and Central Florida Halloween events in your area? Check out our icFlorida.com events page and our special Halloween section.
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