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Article Courtesy of Channel
8 News Tampa
By Chip Osowski
Published June 29, 2020
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PASCO COUNTY – As a Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy, Sean Kennedy spent 25-years
following the law and enforcing it. Now he’s found himself in a position where
he feels he must break the law. More specifically, a by-law for his community
association.
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Kennedy lives with his
wife and children in the Foxwood subdivision in New Port
Richey. It’s a deed-restricted community where lawns are
neatly mowed and cars are parked in garages.
Over Kennedy’s garage flies a blue lives matter flag, the
homeowners association recently told him he had to take it
down.
The flag looks just like an American flag with the exception
of black stripes and a blue stripe for law enforcement and a
red stripe for firefighters.
“People don’t really understand that flag. It’s nothing to
do with police,” said Kennedy. “It’s police that have been
killed. The meaning of the flag is to support police that
have been killed. Not police that are active right now
working. “
Neighbor James Adams doesn’t understand why the association
is all of a sudden asking Kennedy to remove the flag. |
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“I understand that there are certain guidelines and bylaws
that we have to follow,” said Adams. “But that’s a little
much.”
Kennedy believes he understands the timing. A member of the association told him
someone complained. “I think it’s self-explanatory what’s going on in the
world.,” said Kennedy. “The hatred of the police because of one horrible action
by a guy in Minnesota just tarnishing everybody.”
Kennedy says a number of neighbors have weighed in and support his right to fly
the flag. He says he has no intention of removing it.
“I’m not taking it down. It’s something I’ve worked for for 25 years and I
believe in, so, and it’s definitely not racist, it’s definitely not hatred,”
said Kennedy. “It’s a tribute to law enforcement officers and firefighters who
died.”
8 On Your Side called and e-mailed the management association that sent the
letter and are awaiting a response.
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