Article Courtesy of Channel 10
News WTSP -- Tampa Bay
By Marcelino Benito
Published October 4, 2017
In the heart of River Oaks, neighbors are coming face to face with history
without ever leaving the neighborhood.
"It's great for America," said homeowner Ken Douglas.
Attorney Tony Buzbee bought a fully
functional World War II tank overseas last year for
$600,000. Now he's temporarily parked it outside his
multi-million dollar home in River Oaks.
"Took a year to get here but now it's on River Oaks
Boulevard," said Buzbee. "This particular tank landed at
Normandy. It liberated Paris and ultimately went all the way
to Berlin. There's a lot of history here."
But now the River Oaks Property Owners group isn't happy
about it.
"It's not violating any ordinance, but for some people it
makes the homeowners association uncomfortable," said Buzbee.
They sent Buzbee a letter saying the tank "impedes traffic",
causes a "safety issue" and is causing "serious concerns for
neighbors".
"If you're offended just lighten up, my goodness it isn't
hurting anyone," said Buzbee.
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In the heart of River Oaks, neighbors are coming face
to face with history without ever leaving the neighborhood.
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But finding concerned neighbors wasn't easy. Everyone we
spoke to loves it.
"I wish it was permanent," said Douglas. "I think it's an asset and I think
if you watch the cars come up and slow down, you say to yourself, 'wow,
that's America.'"
Buzbee says he's not losing too much sleep over that HOA letter. For now
though, he's keeping his new tank right where it is.
"The problem is there is no action they can take," said Buzbee. "They can
ticket it or they can try to tow it, but the truth is unless I decide to
move it, it's not going anywhere."
Buzbee says the tank will eventually end up on his ranch in east Texas. |