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Full tank of opinion

What do others think of those towering birds that make Seminole leaders wrinkle their noses?

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published January 8, 2006

SEMINOLE - Never let it be said that residents of Seminole don't have strong opinions - at least not about the landmark water tower covered with a mural of birds in a cage at Park Boulevard and 113th Street. The county paid artist Tom Stovall $25,000 to paint it in 2000. Last week, more than 100 people, including some from Largo, the beaches or St. Petersburg, responded when we asked if they thought the tower needs to be rehabbed. The answer was a resounding "NO!" from the vast majority. Others suggested some minor changes, like painting out the cage bars. A few, though, are ready for a change.

The comments should give City Council members something to think about as they strive to come up with a new image for Seminole. They have no plans to change the tower, but have said they don't like the mural and wondered if it fits in with a spiffy, updated image.

"My opinion is to leave the water tower. It's wonderful. It gives the area character. Get rid of the council members who don't like it and tell them to take some developers with them."

Linda Burda

"The water tower is just fine. Seminole is just fine. Let's keep it the way it is. Seminole is a wonderful place to live. Wouldn't live anywhere else in Pinellas County."

Alan House

"Shame on Seminole city officials for backsliding on the only display of artistic support the city has exhibited since my move here from Pa. in 1980."

Carolyn Herr

"I think the water tower looks great, but the City Council members look pretty silly in their search for a new image."

Leanne Giles

"Whether or not you like the "art' on the Seminole water tank, at least it is original and memorable. To me it says Seminole is not always thinking in the box - it can dare to be different."

Bev Kelly

"It's one thing that looks different from everything else around here. Everything looks the same. It's another strip mall. It's another construction project. It's another mobile home park being taken down ... (The tower is) unique."

Lennis Kraus

"I can't imagine that anybody could waste their time, energy and money fixing something that looks quite acceptable. What would they do, rather paint it John Deere green?"

Steve Korn

"If our city officials are really having a difficult time getting rid of money and want to get creative, I suggest they just paint out the birds and have their likenesses put up there behind bars. Now that would turn some heads!"

Steve "Ski" Wojchowski

"I really enjoyed watching it being painted and the result is absolutely astoundingly excellent, and how anybody could be bent out of shape by that is beyond me. I think there are more Philistines out there than we imagine."

Charles McNaught

"It should be there forever. It's also a tribute to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary for the excellent work that they do in rescue and rehab of our birds in the area."

Gail Twombly

"I was wondering if we could get our money back, the $25,000? And No. 2, I'd like to know - it is appalling, never did like it - I was wondering if they could make it more environmentally friendly, so it would blend in to the atmosphere ... even the city of Seminole logo would be good."

Virginia White

"Back in 2000, when it was painted, I could not believe that anyone - much less the majority of the committee - would approve something so UGLY. That's the only word for it - UGLY. It looks like prehistoric birds in a cage - UGLY."

Debbie Scott

"I hate the water tower. It looks like the birds want to get out and fly. Why the big brown cage? Why not have them flying free? It is not a classy look for a classy town like Seminole."

Vi Perkins

"Yes, the word tacky comes to mind each time I drive south on 113th near Park Boulevard, which happens daily. It appears faded and dated. With the $25,000 price tag, seems to me the Seminole High art class would have done as well or better."

Tom Broncucio

"Since the day the water tower was finished, I really think it's horrible. I think that if it is a cage, then why do they have clouds in the background? It might look a little bit better if they painted the bars that supposedly are supposed to be the cage a different color, but even my 2-year-old grandson is afraid of the birds because they're so scary looking up there."

Marcia Ruotsinoja

"The "bird mural' on the water tank has had its 15 minutes of fame. Now I think the artist, Tom Stovall, should repaint it as a large seawater aquarium with marine life from top to coral reef bottom. It would be a colorful spot in an otherwise bland Seminole landscape (that the Seminole City Council seems to want to make even blander)."

Malcolm Johnson

"Actually, I thought it was supposed to be a giant octopus attacking a waterfront condo. If you look at the structure when traveling southbound from Park Boulevard on 113th Street, you can see the eyes at the top (I think they are actually windows). The sea gulls are probably happy they aren't dinner."

Tim Ricci

Total responses to our unscientific water tower mural survey: 146

In favor of mural: 128

Opposed to mural: 10

Mixed feelings: 8

[Last modified January 8, 2006, 00:44:19]