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Source of impeachment banner remains unknown

County officials don't know who hung a political banner on the Pinellas Trail overpass, but they took it down as soon as they heard about it.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published November 6, 2005

PALM HARBOR - Motorists and pedestrians passing the Pinellas Trail overpass just north of Curlew Road one morning last week were asked to take on a hefty task.

"Impeach Bush Now!" read a large white banner hanging from the overpass.

And so it seemed, a particularly politically contentious week had spilled out onto the Pinellas Trail.

It's not clear who posted the 19-foot-long vinyl banner, but Pinellas County officials said it was not sanctioned. The sign was likely put up Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, said Paul Cozzie, county director of parks and recreation.

A local Democratic group denied responsibility for the message.

"That was not the work of the Democratic Party," said Carrie Wadlinger, chairwoman of the Pinellas County Democratic Executive Committee.

The overpass, on Alt. U.S. 19 just north of Curlew Road, is used by pedestrians and cyclists. It has also served as a community bulletin board of sorts for the past 10 years, said Monte Alfonso, county park program coordinator.

The space is reserved for banners and signs publicizing government entities or city sponsored events.

"It's to let people know about things going on in their parks or maybe a parade they want to publicize," Alfonso said.

There is no charge for posting on the overpass, but all signs must be approved by the county parks and recreation department. Signs can be no larger than 4 feet tall and 30 feet wide. The signs can be posted for only 30 days.

Currently, the Old Palm Harbor Main Street Association is using the overpass to publicize its weekly Sunset Bazaar and this year's Bike Fest.

"We're not an ad agency; we try to use those facilities to get out public messages," Alfonso said. "It's for government, not politics."

Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, park ranger Jerry Cumings' phone started ringing off the hook, he said. Numerous county employees on their way to work were calling to alert him of the large white banner.

The tarplike sign read: "America Can't Wait for 2008, Impeach Bush Now!" in red, black and yellow lettering.

An hour or so later, rangers removed the banner, Cumings said.

Renegade banners have found their way onto the overpass at least two other times, Alfonso said. Those were personal messages or advertisements for businesses.

"Three times in the last 10 years we've had them," Alfonso said. "I wouldn't consider that a big problem."

While Alfonso considers the sign an isolated incident, the head of the local Democratic Party says the banner is an indication that things in the traditionally Republican area may be changing.

"It sounds like we have some of the far left in north county," Wadlinger said.

Times staff writer Will Van Sant contributed to this report. Nicole Johnson can be reached at 727-445-4162 or njohnson@sptimes.com

[Last modified November 6, 2005, 01:59:22]