|
Article Courtesy of
FirstCoast News
By Robert Bradfield
Published April 10, 2022
|
WATCH VIDEO |
|
ST. JOHNS COUNTY — Despite being awarded $1,223 over a dispute to fly an
American flag at his home, a St Johns County man says his fight isn't over.
|
"I love my country. I
love the military," said Larry Murphree.
It's why he began flying the American flag at his home in
the Sweetwater Community of Jacksonville years ago. However,
that decision would result in a 12-year court fight against
his
homeowners association.
"The first day I walked into my attorney's office and told
him what I was up against, he said, 'This is David and
Goliath. They have bottomless pockets. Are you going to go
to the wall for
this?' I said, 'Absolutely.'"
And he did.
Last year, he won a judgment of $1,223, although he's vowed
to appeal. |
|
Homeowner vows to continue his fight to fly American
flag despite winning judgment.
|
He says he spent thousands more defending his right to fly the flag. The
financial burden forced him to sell his home.
He now lives in St. Johns County, but is worried he might lose a second home
because of court costs and other fees that have piled up. "I love this home,
but we have to do what we have to
do," he said.
He's waiting on the outcome of an upcoming court hearing to see how much
he's on the hook for, which he hopes is much less than what he's calculated,
around $250,000.
A GoFundMe page was created to help pay for any legal finances and fines
he's incurred.
As an Air Force veteran, he says the flag means more than its stars and
stripes. "It's worth fighting for. I'd do it again," he said.
|
