It's something we see all the time, clubs or businesses flying flags to honor service members, but a non-profit club in Holly Hill is angry that it can't fly enough flags to honor all military branches unless they pay to do it.
Eddie Colosimo leads the group Bikers For First Amendment Rights, which supports veterans and their families.
He's been flying military flags for years, but a new city ordinance meant to target advertisements and banners only allows three flags for city businesses.
For each additional flag, the city is fining the group. So far Colosimo has been fined $300 a day by the City of Holly Hill.
“Its a slap in the face to the military,” says Colosimo. “My position always has been when it comes to paying for permits for these flags, these flags been paid for in blood, sweat, tears and lives.”
Because of the uproar, city council members held a special hearing Tuesday night and voted to put off making a decision to figure out their next step.
Susan Hawthorne comes from a military family and says the issue is plain and simple.
“As far as I'm concerned a military flag is a military flag. Its not an advertisement, its not a floppy flag, its not a banner, its to honor people who died for this country.”
Others, like Theresa Gordon aren't sure exactly what the meeting accomplished.
“We're totally confused about this whole meeting.”
But Colosimo says he'll keep on flying the flags hoping city council members will do the right thing.
“I'm a little frustrated but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
City Council members are hoping to have a new ordinance by June 11 that is not based on the content of the flag, so that BFFAR can keep their flags up. Reported by Click Orlando 1 day ago.
Eddie Colosimo leads the group Bikers For First Amendment Rights, which supports veterans and their families.
He's been flying military flags for years, but a new city ordinance meant to target advertisements and banners only allows three flags for city businesses.
For each additional flag, the city is fining the group. So far Colosimo has been fined $300 a day by the City of Holly Hill.
“Its a slap in the face to the military,” says Colosimo. “My position always has been when it comes to paying for permits for these flags, these flags been paid for in blood, sweat, tears and lives.”
Because of the uproar, city council members held a special hearing Tuesday night and voted to put off making a decision to figure out their next step.
Susan Hawthorne comes from a military family and says the issue is plain and simple.
“As far as I'm concerned a military flag is a military flag. Its not an advertisement, its not a floppy flag, its not a banner, its to honor people who died for this country.”
Others, like Theresa Gordon aren't sure exactly what the meeting accomplished.
“We're totally confused about this whole meeting.”
But Colosimo says he'll keep on flying the flags hoping city council members will do the right thing.
“I'm a little frustrated but there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
City Council members are hoping to have a new ordinance by June 11 that is not based on the content of the flag, so that BFFAR can keep their flags up. Reported by Click Orlando 1 day ago.