Disabled veteran fights homeowners association lawsuit over flagpole in Florida yard
Share this @internewscast.com

A disabled veteran from Volusia County, Florida, finds himself embroiled in a contentious argument with his homeowners association (HOA) regarding a flagpole he set up in his yard.

The dispute, reported by Fox News affiliate WOFL-TV, reveals that the Countryside Villas PUD3 HOA has initiated legal proceedings against the veteran, alleging that he did not secure the necessary authorization before installing the permanent structure.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, the veteran has seen a wave of community backing, with locals voicing their opposition to what they perceive as intimidation and needless legal action.

“Leave the veteran alone. He hasn’t done anything wrong,” Frank Johnson, a veteran himself, told the outlet. “He’s called me crying that they’re harassing him and bullying him. He’s served this country. He’s paid his dues. They wanted to get him on a flagpole and some weeds in the lawn. It’s pathetic. It’s really pathetic.”

Concerned neighbors and a caregiver have come forward to condemn the HOA’s tactics, describing them as bullying and deeply disrespectful to someone who served the country. 

Margaret Murphy, a resident who attended HOA meetings, took the issue to State Sen. Tom Wright, expressing in a letter that her own father’s legacy as a Pearl Harbor survivor compelled her to act. 

“My father was a survivor in Pearl Harbor. He would be rolling over in his grave if I didn’t say something,” she told the outlet.

Florida house at center of flag pole dispute

“The resident was told via multiple correspondences that he absolutely can have them. The situation boils down to that he failed to submit an ARC application which is required for flagpoles by the HOA. That rule has been in place since 1990,” the HOA board said. (WOFL-TV)

In a statement to WOFL-TV, The Countryside PUD Unit III-B HOA, Inc. Board of Directors said that they never told the veteran homeowner that the “flagpole/flag was prohibited.”

“Factually, this has never been about a flag or a flagpole. The resident was told via multiple correspondences that he absolutely can have them. The situation boils down to that he failed to submit an ARC application, which is required for flagpoles by the HOA. That rule has been in place since 1990,” they said.

“The resident was given multiple opportunities to remedy the situation including assistance from the American Legion and the Elks. He also was given an opportunity at a hearing that he never showed up for. Florida Statute makes it clear that an HOA resident also needs to follow the governing documents which he has failed to do. This situation is no different than any other architectural guidelines in our docs. As a result, a fine was imposed, and he failed to pay the fine.”

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September.

Fox News Digital has reached out to The Countryside PUD Unit III-B HOA, Inc. Board of Directors for comment. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

Ex-NFL Star’s Tragic End Highlights Struggles with Injuries and Mental Health

Nearly two decades ago, Doug Martin made his way to Boise State…
Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky is remembered as a leader in the game's online surge

Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Celebrated as a Pioneer in the Online Chess Renaissance

Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent figure in competitive chess who rose to fame…
Texas couple arrested after body of special needs son, 26, discovered buried in backyard

Texas Couple Detained Following Discovery of Their 26-Year-Old Special Needs Son’s Burial in Backyard

A couple from Texas has been taken into custody following the discovery…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 6: Popular couple sent home on 'Wicked Night,' celebrating music from movies

Wicked Night’ Shocker: Fan-Favorite Couple Eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Movie Music Week

LOS ANGELES — On “Dancing with the Stars,” the night was enchanted…
Attempted murder suspect with four prior cases walks free on $9.5K bond after brutal trail attack

Suspect in Attempted Murder, with Four Prior Charges, Released on $9.5K Bond Following Violent Trail Assault

Florida trail attack suspect escorted to sheriff’s cruiser Jacoby Tillman, a 23-year-old…
Protests erupt as ICE agents raid NYC Chinatown street vendors allegedly selling counterfeit goods

ICE Agents Conduct Raids on NYC Chinatown Vendors Amid Counterfeit Goods Allegations, Sparking Protests

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, a federal operation in…
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich shares message from Catholic Church to undocumented immigrants in US

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich Delivers Important Message to Undocumented Immigrants in the U.S.

CHICAGO — Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago released a series of videos…
American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dead at 29

Tragic Passing: Chess Prodigy Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29

Daniel Naroditsky, a revered figure in the chess world who transformed himself…
Alabama death row inmate insists innocence, urges governor to meet him before nitrogen-gas execution

Alabama Inmate’s Plea for Justice: A Last-Minute Appeal to Halt Nitrogen-Gas Execution

An Alabama death row inmate, who claims his innocence, has reached out…
Jasper Nathaniel Shares Harrowing Attack by Israeli Settlers

Jasper Nathaniel Recounts Disturbing Encounter with Israeli Settlers: A Firsthand Account

An American journalist recently endured a harrowing attack by Israeli settlers while…
North Carolina man recounts shooting after Trump banner torn from mother’s yard: 'Some people just snap'

North Carolina Man Reflects on Shooting Incident Over Torn Trump Banner: A Tale of Sudden Anger

A troubling incident in North Carolina has captured attention, as a man…
Immigration agents conducting sweep on NYC's famed Canal Street confronted by protesters

Immigration Agents Met with Protests During Canal Street Operation in NYC

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned immigration enforcement operation on Manhattan’s well-known…