PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A family is fighting back against their homeowner's association over several American flags displayed outside their home.
"I'm not doing this out of disrespect for anyone. I'm not doing this to prove a point. I'm doing this because I love the American flag and what it stands for," said Jackie June, a Palm Harbor homeowner.
June said she first placed about 15 American flags outside her front yard in March. Her son, who is serving in the Air Force, was expected to be home in March for two weeks.
"I had about 15 of them, just the tiny ones that you get at a dollar store," June said.
In April, her homeowner's association sent her a letter. Since then, she's received three more letters.
The letters stated, "remove all miscellaneous items from view." It also stated small flags outlining the front yard are a violation of HOA rules.
"I think that's what floored me so much was the fact it's almost unpatriotic to tell someone to take their flag down," June said.
June also said the flags represent sacrifices families have made for the U.S. Her husband served in the Army and her 19-year-old son currently serves in the Air Force.
"I lost my husband who served in the Army about three years ago to Lou Gehrig's disease, so in honor of him and Armed Forces month and Memorial Day, I kept them out," June said.
June sent Scripps sister station WFTS a copy of the HOA rules. It stated "no more than three lawn ornaments on any given yard."
June said she's not trying to start a fight but is standing up for those who serve.
"I believe strongly. I want to show support for my son and want to honor my husband," June said.
WFTS reached out to the HOA and also the board president but did not receive a response before the time of this publication.
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