LIGHTS OUT Florida City Battles to End ‘Extreme’ Lights Display
There is nothing quite like the magic of twinkling Christmas lights. But for city officials in Plantation, Florida, Christmas lights are a stark reminder of a prolonged fight, nearly $500,000 in court fees, and continued drama. In 2014, Plantation sued residents Mark and Kathy Hyatt for their “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” lights display, claiming it was a “public nuisance.” Each year, the Hyatts decorated their yard with more than 200,000 lights, snow, a Christmas tree, a Nativity scene, a functioning Ferris wheel, and more. Their creation was featured on two nationally televised programs and attracted flocks of visitors. But, for the Hyatt’s neighbors, extreme did not even begin to explain the chaos. Neighbors complained to the city about increased traffic, litter in their yards, and potential injury or death to pedestrians due to the traffic. Police officers in Plantation were dispatched to the light display multiple times each season for complaints by neighbors, accidents, and traffic control. After a two-year battle in court, a judge ruled in favor of the Hyatts, claimingthecitycouldnotprovethedisplaywasdangerousoranuisance. The city had spent nearly half a million dollars fighting their case.
For the Hyatts, Christmas 2016 was a celebration, though their display was restrained due to the timing of the court’s decision. By 2017, “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” was in full swing again, much to their neighbors’ chagrin. Mark Hyatt rode the wave of support for his display all the way to a vacant seat on the Plantation City Council in 2016, but the highs would soon stop there. Plantation news outlets reported in 2018 that Mark Hyatt filed for divorce, effectively ending any hope of another “Hyatt Extreme Christmas.” As the snow has settled, an extravagant lights display has instead become a story of nasty court battles with a sad ending for the Hyatts and their “extreme” Christmas devotees.
HOLIDAY HAVOC?
Managing Care for Your Loved Ones During the Holidays
Accept What Is Let’s face it: The holidays are never perfect. There will always be mistakes, but rather than dwelling on what could have been , remember what was . Maybe your child panicked because the holidays strayed off course from their routine, but you can still have an enjoyable holiday. Focus on what will give your celebrations the most meaning and put your effort into that.
When your loved one needs extra care, you rely on the providers who make this possible. Maybe it is a visiting nurse who ensures your mom’s medications are properly doled out, or a behavioral therapist who teaches your child to communicate. Regardless, it can be daunting to approach your loved one’s care when these experts take a break. This holiday season, as therapists, nurses, and other caregivers in your loved one’s life step away for holiday celebrations and trips, use these tips to manage care. Anticipate Problems Use the weeks before these experts leave to develop a plan. Familiarize yourself with the your loved one's routine, and stick to it as close as possible. Ensure everyone in your household understands the change and is prepared for possible complications. Do not be afraid to ask your caregivers for tips or procedural advice. And remember, they may be the expert on care, but you know what you are doing! You will know what is best.
Connect With Others You are not alone! Many families live in similar situations and battle similar problems, especially during the holiday season. Look for family support or meetup groups. Connect with agencies that can offer temporary help, or recruit loved ones you know would be up to the task of providing extra help. When it comes to elder law, estate planning, and long-term care, you are not alone either. Our attorneys will work with you to develop the plan you and your family need. Call us at 281-218-0880 to have your questions answered.
2 HEGWOOD LAW GROUP
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