Airstream Ranch

July 17, 2009

Frank Bates has “planted” eight Airstream travel trailers nose-down into a plot of land along Interstate 4 in Dover, Florida.  He considers it “an American art form,” and a roadside attraction.  However, some of Frank’s neighbors disagree; they believe  it is an eyesore and Hillsborough County wants the ranch removed for zoning regulation violations.  Frank claims it is a tribute to the iconic trailers, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Airstream, and is just for fun.  Last year, county officials told him to remove the silver trailers, but he’s fighting back.  In March, Frank appealled the code enforcement board’s decision in a hearing in front of three circuit court judges.  If he is allowed to keep the ranch intact, he has plans to make it into a park, complete with palm trees and lighting at night.