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Clearwater Tackle Shop Owner Still Fighting City Hook

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

The tarp that covers the mural on the side of this Clearwater tackle shop can be seen by passing motorists.

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 13, 2009

CLEARWATER - Herb Quintero, who has long thought the fish mural painted on the side of his tackle shop was a work of art, had until Monday to cover it up.

And he did – with a copy of the First Amendment.

His act of defiance is the latest chapter in his fight with the city's code department, which views the mural as a business sign for Quintero's tackle shop, the Complete Angler, 705 N. Fort Harrison Ave.

"The reason that the fish are not allowed is because it's related to what he is selling," city spokeswoman Joelle Castelli said.

Quintero said he has paid the city $690 so far after its code enforcers issued him five citations. He said he covered up the mural with an oversized banner because he faced $130 daily fines if he didn't do so.

Quintero has said he spent $500,000 to renovate the property, which he bought in December 2007. He hired an artist to paint the mural.

Quintero said the mural has no logo or text.

"It's not a sign; it's art," he said. "Therefore it shouldn't fall under the guidelines."

Castelli said Quintero never went through the permitting process before having the mural done. She said he has 30 days to apply for the permit or cover up the sign permanently.

Meanwhile, the city's legal department is looking to see what, if anything, it can do about the First Amendment banner.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or sthompson@tampatrib.com.

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