Man's College Park garden causes controversy

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando man's garden could lead to changes to Orlando city code.

The garden in the front yard of a home in College Park may be violating the city rules, but as of now, the city said the homeowner will not have to remove it.

City officials said they have received hundreds of emails from people outside of Orlando in support of the garden.

The man who owns the garden, Jason Helvenston, said his garden is a good source of nutritious, fresh food.

"Sustainable food, healthy food, non-toxic food, food that's fresher, tastier and it's accessible right in your front yard," said Helvenston.

He said it is his right to have a garden wherever he wants it on his property.

"This produces food, this is not landscape, it doesn't fall under a category as landscape," Helvenston said.

However, someone complained to the city about the garden and that got code enforcement involved.

Helvenston is not facing fines yet.

The city said it may rewrite its code to help accommodate him.

"We're very excited that they're finally going to come out and meet with us and discuss exactly what the problem is, because they've taken quite a few positions of what the problem is," Helvenston said.

City planners said they will meet with Helvenston on Friday to discuss possible changes to the current code.

Officials said there is no code in the city against gardens, but everyone's front yard must look nice.

Helvenston said that is a matter of opinion.

WFTV