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Article Courtesy of Channel
6 News
By Jarell Baker
Published July 12, 2026
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WATCH VIDEO |
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THE VILLAGES – A The Villages homeowner known for filling his yard with flags,
lights and other decorations says he’ll have to remove most of them after
neighbors complained and the community updated its outdoor lighting rules.
Dennis McGrath-Wagner said his displays are a “labor of love” and his way of
spreading cheer.
“I
get Christmas gifts people bought me. I got Easter gifts. I have Valentine’s Day
gifts. People come and thank me for my decorations,” McGrath-Wagner said.
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But some neighbors say the decorations
have gone too far. Noel Hanson, who filed a complaint with
the Community Development District board along with several
other residents, said the displays feel excessive and have
created tension in the neighborhood.
“He does say derogatory things to other people, and people
have become afraid to be out and around this area,” Hanson
said.
Neighbors raised concerns at Tuesday’s District 11 Community
Development District board meeting. The board unanimously
approved new outdoor lighting rules aimed at reducing
nuisance lighting while still allowing reasonable seasonal
and holiday displays. Homeowners who fail to comply after
receiving notice could face fines of up to $500 per day for
repeat violations.
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McGrath-Wagner said he believes he has been operating within the rules and
criticized the restrictions.
“In a communist country we all have to do the same exact stuff. In America we’re
allowed to be ourselves, and they don’t want me to be myself,” McGrath-Wagner
said.
We reached out to the district board to ask whether there have been any
violations involving McGrath-Wagner’s property and what his compliance history
shows.
The CDD sent a response on Friday, saying McGrath-Wagner’s property had been the
subject of 78 complaints for “various deed compliance concerns.”
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“Thank you for reaching out to
the District 11 Board of Supervisors.
“The Village Community Development District No. 11 Board of
Supervisors has adopted rules, as authorized by Chapter 190, Florida
Statutes, that establish enforceable community standards, including
provisions such as seasonal displays and lighting. All properties
within the community are subject to a recorded Declaration of
Restrictions.
“Any proposed rule adoption or amendment requires a noticed public
hearing held during an advertised meeting. As a local government
entity, all of the District’s meetings are open to the public and
each agenda includes a designated time for audience comments.
“Deed compliance is a complaint-driven process centered on education
and voluntary compliance. Formal enforcement is a final step,
reserved for cases that remain unresolved after a public hearing
before the District’s Deed Compliance Hearing Officer. At that
hearing, the Hearing Officer determines whether a violation exists
based on testimony from staff, the homeowner, and any directly
impacted neighbors. If a violation is found, the Hearing Officer may
allow a period of time to correct it; if it is not corrected within
that period, an order of enforcement may be entered, fines assessed,
and a lien placed on the property.
“To date, 78 complaints have been submitted regarding this property
for various deed compliance concerns, dating back to August 2025.”
Community Development District 11 |
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