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Largo Explorer

Illuminated cause Lake Park Estates and Lakeside Estates continue a tradition to raise money for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.

By RITA FARLOW, Times Staff Writer
Published December 16, 2007

In a huge collaboration, more than 100 homes in Lake Park Estates and Lakeside Estates put up outdoor lights for the holidays.
	[Atoyia Deans | Times]

ADVERTISEMENT [Atoyia Deans | Times] Danielle Dannunzio, 8, plays Christmas songs as visitors come to see the lights. Though the event founder died this year, residents continued the tradition. [Atoyia Deans | Times] Santa mans a rooftop for the tradition begun to honor hospice staff who had cared for a dying community member. [Atoyia Deans | Times] Joseph and baby Jesus decorate a home in the hospice fundraiser. More than $400,000 has been raised since 1994.

Holiday lights help Hospice of Florida Suncoast  

Where: Lake Park Estates and Lakeside Estates 

Price: Free, but donations are accepted.

It was 1993 when Eddie Dow and his friends decided to take their over-the-top holiday tradition to another level. The weekend after Thanksgiving, neighbors in the Lake Park Estates and Lakeside Estates subdivisions in Largo begin erecting their lighted displays. By Dec. 1, when the display officially opens, more than 100 homes are decked out for the holidays.

Call it an uber-illumination. There's the traditional angels and Santa Clauses and baby Jesuses, of course. Lighted snowmen and reindeer and candy canes, too.

Less-conventional arrangements include an aquarium-themed yard with sea horses and starfish, and a display dedicated to the Florida Gators.

Best of all? It's all for a good cause. A group of dedicated residents and volunteers collect donations for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast during the annual event.

What started as a friendly competition between Dow and his neighbors shifted focus in 1993 after Dow's wife, Ruby, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

When hospice volunteers came to sing to Ruby during the final months of her life, neighbors asked what they could do to help.

The first year, they collected 90 cases of food. The next year, they received $5,000 in cash donations. Since 1994, the group has raised more than $400,000 for hospice.

Residents and visitors "ooh" and "aah" as they stroll under lighted archways that straddle the wide sidewalks and lead them from display to display.

Along the way, they're treated to complimentary candy canes, hot cocoa and dog biscuits for their furry companions. Christmas songs are piped through stereo systems and it's not uncommon to come across the occasional young musician or caroling group ready to celebrate the season through song.

On Wednesday evening, in a five-minute span, more than a dozen cars pulled up in front of Dan and Marie Rooney's home, where donations are collected. Each one made a contribution, often coming from the hand of a small child in the backseat.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the normally quiet streets are bumper-to-bumper with people who come from all over the Tampa Bay area.

Eddie Dow died at Hospice House Woodside in Pinellas Park in September at age 89 after nearly a year battling cancer. Shortly after his death, concerned residents started e-mailing one another: Would the show go on?

Absolutely, said Dan Rooney, Lake Park Homeowners Association president. Though the association doesn't sponsor it, many residents who participate are members.

As the originators get older, they get help hanging decorations from younger residents who have embraced the tradition.

"It's like the changing of the guard," Rooney said.

Just then, another car pulled up. A passenger stretched out her hand, clasping a $5 bill. "Merry Christmas!" she said, and the car moved slowly down the street to check out the next display.

Eddie would be proud.

IF YOU GO

Hours

The display runs Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Directions

The display is between Seminole Boulevard and Starkey Road, off Bryan Dairy Road.

From Seminole Boulevard: Go east on 102nd Avenue N. Cross the Lake Seminole Bridge. Go to the second traffic light at 109th Avenue N and make a left. Follow the arrows.

From Starkey Road: Head west on Bryan Dairy Road. Go across the first bridge and turn right at the first traffic light at 109th Avenue N. Follow the arrows.

[Last modified December 15, 2007, 21:06:23]