LONGWOOD, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) –
Some neighbors want a Longwood man to clean up his yard. But he says it’s a garden and has every right to keep it.
Sean Law loves his garden. He has all sorts of fruits and vegetables growing in his back and front yard.
“We have to grow gardens and food everywhere on the Earth, not just in or outside of city limits,” said Sean Law who refuses to mow his lawn.
He says it’s nature’s beauty to have overgrown lawns and dead trees. He’s using a state ordinance called “Florida Friendly Landscaping” to defend his garden.
“The city says I’m violating city code, they can’t say that we don’t like the way it looks because that’s a violation of your first amendment and yard displays upheld it,” said Law.
Longwood commissioners disagree.
“He’s arguing that doing nothing is Florida Friendly whereas real Florida Friendly Landscaping is manicured bushes, pathways, things to conserve water and attract wildlife while at the same time controlling pests,” said Longwood Deputy Mayor Joe Durso.
Neighbors are furious.
“If he wishes to live that way which is his choice go to an area that accepts that. That means you go out to ranch land,” said a neighbor Kathy Ettman.
“We have all kinds of weird animals, rodents and stuff, and bugs. I have bugs that I’ve never seen before come in my house,” said Bobbie Corbitt who lives right next door to Law.
Law says it’s not his fault.
“There are ants in the world. I’m not God I didn’t put ants in the world,” he said.
“We’re constantly coming out giving code violations and there’s just a refusal to comply with city code,” said Longwood Police Officer Kevin Tuck.
Sean Law fought back. He went to the district court to fight the city to let him keep his Florida friendly landscaping. He lost so he appealed. He lost again. Now he’s filed a case with the Florida Supreme Court.
“We’ll see if they accept the case or not,” said Law.
Law says he will continue to grow his pineapples, sugar canes, and bananas despite what his neighbors have to say.
“I don’t blame the people because people are tricked by the TV no offense to you guys,” state Law.
Longwood Commissioners will discuss the extent of the case this Monday and will take further action.
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