The Public Enemy - The Whistler

City, annoying local man reach a deal on 'whistle while you walk' rule

Robert Smith is that guy. You know, that guy you see around town who is either the most annoying public nuisance ever or a fabulously quirky local character. Smith is known to denizens of Portland, Maine, as “The Whistler,” a musical man who walks around downtown whistling very loudly. Some find him amusing. Others give him a wide berth. For many business owners he is an unwelcome presence. So much so that Smith’s shrill whistling has prompted numerous complaints, plus a few run-ins with police. Smith recently reached a detente with the city: stop walking, stop whistling. Smith and city officials agreed to a court order that allows him to whistle as long as he keeps moving.