The Villager who has been embroiled in a battle to save his little white cross is afraid that flags could be the next target of District Government.
Community Development District 8 Supervisor Wayne Anderson raised his concerns Friday during a board meeting at SeaBreeze Recreation Center.
Anderson detailed the case of a Village of Tamarind Grove resident who was recently ordered by Community Standards to remove a small American flag from his yard.
Anderson, who has been sued by the CDD 8 board for refusing to removal a little white cross from his yard, said The Villager put the small flag in his yard in August. The “portable” flag was less than three feet tall.
“Of course, someone complained,” Anderson said.
He claimed the homeowner, who prefers to remain anonymous, was ordered to remove the flag. The flag has been taken down and the home is currently in compliance.
Anderson said he is perplexed as to what rule the homeowner violated. Anderson claimed he hasn’t been able to get a straight answer from Community Standards.
“You are allowed to display the American flag here in America,” Anderson said. “The homeowner should not have been told to remove the flag.”
Assistant District Manager Brittany Wilson said there are provisions which allow homeowners to display flags. They can erect a flag pole, with permission from the Architectural Review Committee, or they can display a flag, with a flag holder attached to the home. The latter does not require ARC approval. Wilson added that the District is “content neutral” when it comes to flags.
Anderson said “portable” American flags – or other U.S. flags homeowners wish to display – should enjoy the same status as those on flag poles or attached to homes.
He called for an attorney general opinion on the matter.
CDD 8 Board Vice Chair Larry McMurry, gaveling the meeting in the absence of Chair Phil Walker, seemed to think that was a bit extreme. He said the matter should remain in the hands of Community Standards.
“They are awful good at what they do,” McMurry said.
The only other board member in attendance at the meeting, Ryan Lammes, agreed with McMurry.