Ohio State Buckeyes Fan's Flag Creates Flap

An Ohio State football fan’s enthusiasm about his team’s entry into the College Football Playoff National Championship game isn’t earning him points in his hometown of Palm Beach.

City officials there told lawyer Les Evans to remove his Buckeyes flag or face possible fine of $125, the Palm Beach Daily News reported.

It seems the city’s code enforcement office initially classified the flag he’s had on display outside his Brazilian Avenue office as a banner, WPTV reported. Banners aren’t allowed under city code, but flags are, the station reported.

Evans says his display of the school colors is indeed a flag and that the city’s request for him to take it down is outrageous and infringes on his right to free speech, the Daily News reported.

“There’s something called free speech, and this is not for commercial purposes,” the paper quoted Evans as saying.

See Also:

• 3rd Arrest for 90-Year-Old Man Who Feeds Homeless
• Flap Over Flag House Over

It appears as if the Ohio State graduate got his point across. The paper reports that the city, upon review, has decided Evans’ display is indeed a flag. A determination, however, is still being made on how long the item can remain up because flags, city officials say, must be placed on poles and Evans’ flag is not. Instead, the small flag hangs from a balcony over the law office’s entrance.

Palm Beach isn’t the only Florida community to capture national attention with its local ordinances as of late. In nearby Fort Lauderdale, city government officials have been under fire for a new law that makes it illegal to feed the homeless. That ordinance has resulted in three criminal citations for a 90-year-old man determined to help those in need.

Ohio State goes head-to-head with the Oregon Ducks in the CFP Championship Monday at 8:30 p.m.

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Image from the Ohio State Buckeyes Facebook page