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Chuck Fest's lawsuit had said that neighbors conspired to shut down his business.
By JACKIE RIPLEY
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 8, 2000
KEYSTONE -- The operator of a baseball complex on Crescent Road has dropped a lawsuit he filed last year against three neighbors who complained about lights.
The decision followed a court hearing last month, said Jack Larkin, attorney for Suzanne Moore, one of the defendants.
"Each party agreed to pay their own attorney's fees," Larkin said.
Chuck Fest and CWF Investments had alleged that Moore, Gayle Bradley and Lynda Vaugh conspired to shut down his business.
Moore contended that she had never met Bradley. Neither Bradley nor Vaugh could be reached for comment.
Neighbors still contend the business doesn't belong in the rural area, but county officials have closed the case.
"He moved the batting cages; we no longer have a setback issue," said Don Shea, community improvement manager. "The lights continue to be controversial, but at this point we don't feel there is a violation."
Shea said "until there is some other development, we do not intend to pursue enforcement issues."
Problems started late last year when Fest purchased the field where he teaches baseball. Neighbors complained that lights at the complex illuminate their yards and noise from the field spooks their horses.
After a county inspection, Fest agreed to take down illegal signs and move the batting cages. Fest's attorney is asking the county to reconsider its decision against allowing more lights at the field.
Last month, a land use hearing officer concludeded that Fest's zoning file contained contradictory requests and reponses and needed further review.
So far, Fest has not submitted a new site plan and specifics about the scope of his operation.
- Jackie Ripley can be reached at (813) 226-3468 or ripley@sptimes.com.