Article Courtesy of News Channel 8
By Mary McGuire

Published May 19, 2016

TAMPA -- ‘Bolts fever’ is sweeping across the Tampa Bay area and fans are getting very excited about showing off their blue pride!

The excitement has reached such a fever pitch that one condo complex in Tampa is debating changes to long-standing rules in order to allow fans to display Lightning banners and flags. Take a look around Tampa and chances are you will see a Bolts banner – they seem to be everywhere!
 

Yet when some residents began displaying Bolts flags and banners outside their units at the Towers of Channelside, a few residents cried foul. “The rules, as they exist right now, is that there are no banners or flags allowed on any of the Towers property,” said Ron Hall, the President of the Towers of Channelside Board of Directors. Right now, the Towers only allow American flags to be displayed during national holidays, like July 4, but that rule could soon be changing as the Lightning make another run for Lord Stanley.

On Monday night, the board will consider instating an exception to the rule to allow residents to post banners on balconies while local professional sports teams make championship runs.

“The exception would be that all Tampa Bay professional teams if they make it into the playoffs and championship games…including the Buccaneers, the Rays and the Bolts… our members and owners would be able to display their banners and their flags and show their support,” said Hall.

“I’ll be going to the meeting for a short period of time, but the game starts at 8 p.m. and I am going to Thunder Alley, I guarantee ya!” said resident Rick Barnes.
 
Not everyone is on board, however. On a Towers message board, one resident argued that other high-end condos and apartments in the area don’t appear to allow banners to be posted and that it wouldn’t be appropriate for the Towers.

The Towers of Channelside boasts some very recognizable residents. According to Hall, our very own Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop calls them home.