Community Corner

55,000 Dancing Holiday Lights Dazzle Neighborhood

The dazzling displays are synchronized to a radio station for all to hear.

Some people decorate their homes for the holidays with lights or wreaths or a little bit of both.

Then there is Jim Carson.

For the past six years, this Tampa man has programmed 55,000 lights to play to music that passersby can hear on their car radio by tuning to 88.3 FM.

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Each year his home, located at 11048 Streamside in Tampa, is turned into a massive light show with larger-than-life props including a hot air balloon with Santa inside, a snowman and dozens of gifts and other holiday accents sprinkled about the yard.

"With the economy being so bad I can give this gift to everyone," Carson said on a recent night.

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It takes Carson about a month to complete the display. He puts all the lights up first and then begins programming the displays to songs, which takes about 8 hours per song using the Light-O-Rama computerized system. The songs are synced to 88.3 FM on the radio dial.

That means when drivers come by and change their radio to 88.3 FM the music playing is synchronized with the light display.

Carson is partial to the Techno Amazing Grace display. Another favorite is Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas."

The display hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

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Scary electric bill, you say? Not according to Carson who said his bill only goes up about $40 during the holiday months because the lights blink on an off so quickly.

Each year bus tours stop by, along with senior groups and a motorcycle club along with countless drivers. Carson keeps a Toys for Tots donation box out front for those who want to donate.

One time someone showed up selling ice cream outside the house.

He hasn't heard any complaints from his homeowners association. And his neighbors don't seem to mind.

"It doesn't bother me," said Chris, Carson's neighbor who was out viewing the lights on a recent night with his young child.

"To give enjoyment to other people," Carson said is what motivates him to put in the work for the display each year. "It lifts people's spirits."

Want to go?

Where: 11048 Streamside Drive, Tampa, FL 33624

For more information visit the Streamside Dr. Christmas Lights Facebook Page.


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