News alert: Tarp comes off downtown Coca-Cola sign

The tarp that has been covering the historic neon Coca-Cola sign atop the Richoux building at Third and Florida streets since last week was removed around noon today. It is unclear, however, whether the dispute that led the building’s owner, Mike Crouch, to cover the sign has been resolved. The sign was covered Wednesday, on the eve of a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of a new Raising Cane’s on the building’s ground floor. It is also unclear what specifically led Crouch to remove the tarp, though Coca-Cola—which recently spent $20,000 renovating the 60-year-old sign—and other downtown advocates were increasingly concerned the delicate sign could be irreparably damaged by the tarp, especially with several days of approaching thunderstorms forecast for the area. When reached by Daily Report, Crouch’s attorney, Jim Clary, was unaware of the recent development. DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer is elated. “I just walked out of my office and saw it was uncovered,” Rhorer says. “I’m so glad it is visible now for everyone to enjoy.” —Stephanie Riegel