CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Multiple residents have submitted new complaints to town officials regarding controversial window displays at a downtown storefront, marking the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute that has tested the boundaries of free speech and local regulations.
The complaints, filed with the Town Manager’s office, express frustration with what residents describe as “offensive window displays” used by a building owner to “promote his opinion” through storefront signage. According to the complainants, community members are “sick of” the continuing situation.
Town Manager officials confirmed they are aware of the persistent concerns and are actively working toward a resolution. However, after consulting with the Town Attorney, officials determined that the language displayed on the signs constitutes protected free speech under the First Amendment, limiting the town’s ability to regulate content.
The controversy centers on property owner Frank Wendell, who has used his storefront windows to display political commentary and criticism of local government for several years. The displays have sparked debate among residents about the appropriateness of the content in Cape Charles’ family-friendly downtown area.
In response to the ongoing situation, town officials announced plans to review the municipal sign ordinance, potentially establishing new guidelines for all storefront signage throughout the community.
This marks the continuation of a contentious relationship between Wendell and Cape Charles officials, with previous disputes arising over signage regulations and free speech concerns.
The town has not announced a timeline for the sign ordinance review or indicated what changes might be considered.
About the Author
Multiple residents need to read the Constitution Of The United States Of America.
I’m offended by all the K-Coast sickers placed on all over street signs and other objects in the town that are not owned by K-Coast or individuals. They should be held responsible for the removal of the stickers or defacing/destruction of town property.
If you could get someone to put pro Trump signage in their storefront windows they would draw the line on freedom of speech and then they would all have to stop. You’re welcome.
The criticism directed at Frank Wendell highlights a broader political issue. These individuals share similar sentiments with Wendell, yet their focus has shifted to targeting him personally rather than addressing the more significant concerns regarding Wendells Distributing as a whole. This reflects a tendency in political discourse where factions attack individuals rather than engage with the underlying policies or practices that may be objectionable. It underscores the need for a more substantive debate that challenges the systemic issues at play, rather than resorting to personal grievances that lack a solid foundation in actual policy critique.
If the complainants are concerned with “appropriateness of the content in Cape Charles’ family-friendly downtown area,” then I will assume that the Town is receiving the same number of complaints about Like A Sailor.
Exactly! The merchandise in this store is without a doubt the most offensive, vulgar display of messages I have seen outside of an actual porn shop. I can’t believe customers under the age if 18 are allowed to enter. The youth of today are more interested in what is displayed at that souvenir shop than what Frank has to say in his windows.
Karen you win the award.
This is great!
Now I can put up my porn shop in Cape Charles!!!
Thanks Frank! You get 20% off all store merchandise.!
Freedom of speech means that you have a right express your opinion even if I disagree.
Why do you think people would care if you agree or disagree?
LOL, the town should be thanking this guy. I’ve shown photos of this place to many friends to entice them to visit the Shore, and this storefront is always their #1 destination when they come visit! They are thrilled when they see it, have a photo shoot in front of it, and then we go visit the shops and restaurants of Cape Charles. The storefront brings business to Cape Charles, is a memorable landmark, and restores visitors’ faith in rural America after our shameful voting in 2024. It’s an important part of Cape Charles, and I look forward to seeing the new exhibit every time I pass it.
LOL. I will wager my life savings you are a come here. Go back to Richmond, DC or New Jersey. “Show photos of this place to many friends” because you are an outsider and will never be welcomed or treated as local by anyone other than your echo chamber of fellow leftist come heres. You are an outsider and scoffed at. Stop feeding off Frank Wendell, who is a good but broken man, and his bitterness of a failed marriage. Your ilk will never be welcome here. Go home.
You still crying that Trump is your President?!?!?!?!
❤️
Go back to New Jersey you pathetic old [edit]. We don’t want you here. You don’t belong here. All you do is protest or share cocktails on a Bay Creek beach or on a boat with fellow come here wealthy friends. How many local families have you personally helped? Black, White, Hispanic? None. Do you even break bread with them or talk to them? We have generational local farmers that give from near poverty some years while you give nothing. You surround yourself by the transplant circle jerk crowd thinking you belong but are mocked and despised by marsh mudders. You know it. You know you are a phony. A fake. You left your former life because you are a fake. You will never be welcome here as one of us. You are an outsider. You have no roots here that will not wither in the sun. Go home. We don’t want you here.
Please share with me what Gospel or NT passage you get your inspiration from?
No reference to the Bible in that diatribe. But you think by bringing it up, it will somehow change the way locals really feel about you people? Wow!
I dislike Trump as much as the next Trump disliker, but “shameful voting in 2024”? If you recall, The Democrats propped up a senile man to run again for president. Did you not see the debate? You dislike Trump and the Republicans? Better have the same issue with the Dems who tried to hide a diminished president for years. Liars and scammers…all of them. Just looking to enrich themselves and their families. The only shame here is your blindness.
Mr. Creed, hello, not sure, but perhaps, AI now controls access, perhaps not, but should I now consider myself banned from making any future observations?
Still not sure who I pissed off or what was vile. Anyway, still enjoy reading the Mirror.
Editor’s Note: CE, as far as I know, you have the ability to comment as before…the site seems to be having some issues that I have been unable to pin point, and the latency may have messed you up. You are always welcome to continue, but please let me know if you run into any issues: capecharlesmirror@gmail.com. Thanks!