KICKED IN THE GUT: City orders residents to nix ‘God Bless America’ signs
BARTOW (FOX 13) –
It’s a small sign with a big message, but Bartow residents are now being ordered to uproot their “God Bless America” yard signs.
About 300 of the signs were handed out at First Baptist Church of Bartow following a Fourth of July sermon. But three months later, City of Bartow Code Enforcement says the temporary signs have worn out their welcome.
Residents have three days to pack it up or pay a minimum fine of $25 a day.
“Being a veteran, I felt like I was just kicked in the gut. I couldn’t believe it, that I couldn’t display my love for my nation by putting a sign up that says “God Bless America,” Bartow resident Marcus Seger said Thursday.
Bartow Code Enforcement says its temporary sign ordinance dates back 13 years and already allows for some exceptions.
