Steff's Stuff owner tries to decipher sign code

On the first weekend of every month, Steff’s Stuff owner Stephanie Claussen holds an “Antique and Art Fair” at Whitney Beach Plaza to raise money for non-profit groups. She began putting a sign advertising the fair outside of the shopping center when she began holding the event about two years ago.

But about two weeks ago, Claussen learned the sign was in violation of the town of Longboat Key’s sign code when Whitney Beach Plaza owner Andrew Hlywa received a code violation because the sign was in the public right-of-way.

“I just wasn’t aware of it,” Claussen said. “The sign’s been hanging out there every month for the past two years.”

Hlywa’s company, Dawn & Andrew LLC, received a recurring violation of prohibited signs last June, and Hlywa signed a stipulation agreement stating that if his company is cited for a repeat violation within five years from that date, he could be fined up to $500 per day for each day the violation continues.

Claussen said she plans to put the sign advertising the next Antique and Art Fair, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, away from the right-of-way. She also plans to attend the March 8 Code Enforcement Board meeting with Hlywa to discuss the issue.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].