Article Courtesy of St. Petersburg Times

By Julie Pace
Published June 17, 2006

TAMPA - First, it was a 2-foot-tall "Support Our Troops" sign.

Now, the Westchase homeowners association is threatening to fine Stacey Kelley for two ceramic angels that have sat on her lawn for five years.

"It's all crazy, and really petty to me," said Kelley, who lives in the house with her mother, Gloria Nelson. Kelley gave the angels to Nelson as a housewarming gift.

Kelley first made waves in March, when she posted the patriotic sign in support of her husband, an Army private serving in Iraq.

When a Westchase property manager called Friday morning to tell the mother and daughter about the new problem - the angels violate rules restricting lawn ornaments - it left them feeling targeted.

"I just think they're being vindictive," said Nelson, who removed the angels.

Homeowners association president Daryl Manning did not return phone calls.

The sign that started the controversy was stolen in April. Kelley, who has not replaced the sign, was not fined, but her attorney, Luke Lirot, is still discussing the matter with Westchase officials.

This latest skirmish has Nelson and Kelley thinking about moving.

"It's a shame Westchase has nothing to worry about but my little angels," Nelson said.