Florida county removes Confederate flag, flies it again after public outcry

Last week, interim County Administrator Bill Kauffman made the decision to remove it in response to the mass shooting that happened at a South Carolina church.

On Tuesday, residents showed up to a commission meeting to speak out about the decision.

"I think this is the wrong move on behalf of whoever decided to do this," one resident said.

Residents told the commission that for them, the flag is all about their heritage and has nothing to do with hate.

"It's not about slavery, it's about honor and pride," another resident said.

"That flag is a symbol of my heritage, a symbol of where I come from, the South," said resident David Stone. "I want to see that beautiful flag put back on the flag pole where it belongs."

After hearing all of the public comments about the issue, Commissioner Stan McClain discussed a plan to make a historical display along a walking trail for all of the flags that at one time flew over the state of Florida.

Later, the commission voted unanimously to put the Confederate flag back.

"It's a passionate issue on both sides," said McClain. "What we're trying to do is interpret the historical relevance of this display we have. It's either take the whole thing down or use it as an educational tool."

County leaders said while they work out the details for the trail, the flag will keep flying.

There was no one at the meeting Tuesday who spoke in support of removing the flag.