Freedom rings? Neighbors want one Corpus Christi resident to tone down year-round decorations

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CORPUS CHRISTI A fight over freedom has landed in one Corpus Christi woman's front yard this Fourth of July.

Elizabeth Pavich spreads the message of freedom each July by decorating her lawn in The Lakes neighborhood with American flags, pinwheels, a 6-foot-tall inflatable Uncle Sam as well as red, white and blue spotlights.

In October, she decorates with witches and ghosts. In December, it's Christmas lights. At Easter, it's bunnies and eggs in baskets.

But some neighbors don't like her year-round showy displays for nearly every holiday and want her to tone it down.

Eight years ago, Pavich was passed the decorating tradition from her mother after she died. She said when her mother decorated her home for the holiday, the neighborhood families would frequently stop by and admire it. Pavich said she now tries to do the same for her neighbors on Pontchartrain Drive.

Jeffrey Cannon respects his next door neighbor's right to express herself but feels that Pavich's decorations are overdone and nonstop. Once one holiday ends, she starts decorating for the next, he said.

"It doesn't go with the neighborhood," he said. "It definitely hurts our property value."

The Lakes is a gated community with a swimming pool, tennis court and five private, man-made lakes. The homeowner's association requires residents to maintain their lawns and regulates landscaping.

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Freedom rings? Neighbors want one Corpus Christi resident to tone down year-round decorations