The following Letter to the Editor was submitted to the Daily Commercial newspaper on 07-08-2008.

On private land, you might see signs posted which read, "Keep Off the Lawn." These signs are posted as a warning to prevent the trampling of property assets.

A recent Daily Commercial article brought to light a local issue which should be viewed as a similar warning sign.

The article described a new landscape ordinance under consideration by the Tavares Commission which would trample the rights of land owners. Specifically, the proposed ordinance would restrict the rights of citizens to self-select the variety of grass used in private landscaping. The ordinance would apparently prohibit one of the most popular native grasses used in landscaping in Florida:  the St. Augustine variety.

If you are an ordinary citizen who may not follow the daily workings of local government, you might ask, "Why should I really care if they prohibit St. Augustine sod?"

Every citizen should care. This absurd-sounding regulation is a real law under serious consideration. It is also a perfect example of just how far local officials are now reaching into your lives and into your pocketbooks.

When government agents are allowed by citizens to regulate such minutia as lawn grass type, they are not only assuming the power to grant or deny permissions, but the power to fine individuals who violate these ordinances and to tax all citizens to fund education and enforcement of these laws.  Every new regulation passed which restricts private property rights results in less freedom and more taxation.

Does any citizen want to see dollars or staff time diverted from true public priorities in order to fund local "lawn police?"

The Commissioners or staff supporting this regulation must have forgotten the ideals we just celebrated on July 4th. This national holiday celebrates the personal freedom and individual rights which have been America's hallmark.

Every Tavares citizen who loves liberty and who does not want to see taxpayer monies or time misapplied should speak up and insist city officials stay focused on true public priorities - and keep off their lawns.

Submitted by:

Carol Saviak
Executive Director
Coalition for Property Rights
2878 S. Osceola Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806
407-481-2289 Telephone
407-481-0834 Fax
http://www.proprights.com/


The Coalition for Property Rights (CPR) is a non-profit education and advocacy organization headquartered in Florida. CPR's mission is to educate the public and elected officials regarding the importance of property rights and to defend these rights from further erosion.