Neon sign outside controversial Sanford bar could become historic landmark

SANFORD, Fla. — A neon sign outside a troubled Sanford bar is on its way to becoming a historic landmark.

City leaders gave it the greenlight Monday night, just weeks after the city's police chief said the bar is a problem.

The Barn is located on State Road 1792 in Sanford, and its owners said because so many drivers use it as a landmark for direction, it should be protected.

Photos: 'The Barn' sign in Sanford

Also, the city could benefit from making it a landmark because the ordinance would force the owners to improve the sign.

"(Sanford) is very gorgeous and very nice," said resident David Miller.

There are maps posted in Sanford's historic downtown, marking each of its historic districts, and even buildings of a certain age are plastered with plaques.

"Just the old feel the buildings and culture and reading about the old buildings from the 1800s; that can't be touched," said resident Christine Miller.

The 35-year-old sign that marks the controversial bar could join the ranks of historic landmarks.

"I don't know if I'd call it a landmark, but it certainly is iconic," said resident Sumalee Eaton.

Sanford police said they were called to The Barn more than 700 times within 18 months.

Officers said they have been run down in the parking lot after responding to three-dozen fights and 31 disturbances.

"That's really interesting, but those are the things you see on the movies or History Channel. That's a real piece of Americana," said Christine Miller.

The ordinance will force the owners to strip out the neon tubing on the sign, remove the dancers and repaint and tubing on the neon.

"You look at what we're building daily here; we're not paying attention to authentic Florida, those areas should be really preserved," said resident Chris LeBlanc.

The Barn's owners did not want to comment.

WFTV