Some Minneola residents are trying to rally support to save what they consider a Lake County landmark.
A shipwrecked boat that is part of a popular restaurant might have to come down.
The restaurant's owner and area residents have signed a petition to save the boat. The petition has nearly 400 signatures.
"You pass it every day, and you say, ‘Oh. That's quaint,’" said resident Regina Martin.
The shipwreck sits outside of the Surf Bar and Grill in Minneola on U.S. 27, and it’s been there for a decade.
The owner of the restaurant is fighting to keep it after the city gave him fewer than three months to have it removed. He claims that it's a landmark put there by a previous owner, and it’s helping him build his business, which opened less than a year ago.
The majority of the people to whom Channel 9 spoke were familiar with the ship and said they hope the city will allow it to remain.
City officials said the restaurant owner wants to put up a big sign, and city code doesn't allow him to have both, so he has to choose.
Officials said they have also received complaints from people who don't like it and would like to see the ship go.
"I think it’s an eyesore," said resident Steve Carrano.
The city said the owner has already agreed to the sign, but now wants to have his sign and the boat too.
Cox Media Group
