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By STEPHANIE HAYES, Times Staff WriterA Bridges resident wants neighbors to line their sidewalks with luminarias on Dec. 31.
WESTCHASE - The sun goes down on New Year's Eve, but sidewalks light up, illuminating 3,500 homes with a soft glow.
That's the scene Casey Wilkening envisions. He's spearheading a neighborhood luminaria project, encouraging everyone in Westchase to stock up on paper bags, sand and votive candles.
"Can you imagine driving down the length of Linebaugh Avenue and seeing all those luminarias?" he said. "I think it would be pretty cool."
Wilkening, a Bridges resident, wanted to launch the project around Christmas but changed the date to avoid a religious debate.
"I just decided, "Why not New Year's Eve?' " he said. "It's got to be the second biggest holiday of the year."
Homeowners who participate don't need to worry about violating deed restrictions, said community association president Daryl Manning. The sand bags are equivalent to hanging Christmas lights.
"We're proud of anything that would beautify the neighborhood or bring attention to it in a positive light," he said.
All the items to make luminarias can be found at discount stores, Wilkening said, but he wants people to buy materials early, before stores sell out.
On the morning of Dec. 31, homeowners should assemble enough bags to line both sides of their driveways and the sidewalks fronting the house, Wilkening said. Luminarias should be lit at dusk.
Call Wilkening with questions at 852-1690.
- Stephanie Hayes can be reached at 813 269-5303 or shayes@sptimes.com