At first I was surprised that somebody would post something about a flag comment at a house it's been on the market for 2 years. So I just drove down to see the flag, And I must say iAgree with the anonymous person that posted the complaint. As you will see when you drive down to see the flag,there is A picture of a screw with the words underneath it Biden, trump now.. It was also my understanding that since election is now over all political flags and banners are to be removed.

Investigation Pending

I agree. The election is over and we all need to demonstrate civility and respect for our democracy and our neighbors.

Upon investigation, It was discovered no "flag" violations were found per town code.

Thank you for reviewing the issue. I do have a follow up question. Section 74-545 of the code is listed below, and #5 does speak to the period of time that flags can be appropriately displayed.

#5. Decorative flags, banners and bunting for a celebration, convention or commemoration of significance to the community, when authorized by the town manager for a prescribed period of time.

What is the prescribed "period of time" that a political flag can be flown? In this particular case, the election of the candidates shown on the flag at the home in question occurred last year.

Again, my main concern is the impact on young children and the inappropriateness of the language used and what is acceptable in our beautiful neighborhood of Belleair.

Additionally, section 24 of the same code states that:

24: Signs displaying copy that is harmful to minors shall be prohibited.

Belleair Code Enforcement assigned this issue to JP Murphy - Town Manager

What if someone had a “Screw the Police” or “Screw Belleair” flag?

All- Unfortunately whether we like it or not, the FLAG does not violate any current town codes or state statutes. For clarification, section 74-545(5) is not related to flags as stated above, I believe you meant to reference 74-571 (5) which is the text included in your question. If you read the beginning of that section, it outlines EXCEPTIONS to the sign ordinance. It's easy to read and get confused as lawyers tend to write these things and leave it to us to interpret and figure it all out. It is my understanding the commission will be reviewing updates to the sign ordinance once the legal department reviews the current ordinance. Regarding the content being harmful to minors...It does not violate Florida Statute 847.001(6) which would be our legal basis to pursue charges or a request to remove the Flag. With respect to flying a flag saying "Screw the Police" or "Screw Belleair" by all means, Just like the flag issue that started this thread, it would be your 1st Amendment Right under the United States Constitution and there would not be anything we would do about it. In fact, as a profession we deal with that everyday lately, but not usually from our town residents who overwhelmingly support and appreciate the services we provide in our town. I think everyone can agree with the comment "we all need to demonstrate civility and respect for our democracy and our neighbors" Ironically, it goes both ways and unless we have a violation of Federal, State or Local law, the police department does not have any legal basis to enforce the removal of said flag(s).

Thanks for fixing this request!