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Article Courtesy of WFTV
Channel 9 Orlando
Published August 17, 2019
By Nancy Alvarez , James Tutten
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WATCH VIDEO |
KISSIMMEE - A controversy is brewing in Kissimmee between a homeowners
association and an Army veteran who says all she wants is the freedom to fly the
flag of her choice at her home.
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Frances Santiago spent
14 years as an Army medic, including two tours in Iraq.
Santiago wants to fly the Puerto Rican flag, but her HOA in
the Rolling Hills Estates said the particular flag is
against the rules.
“I fought for this, to be able to do this, so I don't see a
problem with flying my flag here,” Santiago said.
Last month, when Puerto Ricans on the island began demanding
the governor resign with impassioned protests, Frances and
her husband decided to show their support on their quiet
street.
“I'm proud of my roots, who I am, [where] I come from,”
Efrain Santiago said. “We're not offending anyone. None of
the neighbors were offended with us putting the flag there.” |
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The flag was on display for three weeks before a notice arrived from the HOA
along with emails explaining anything other than a U.S. flag, a military flag or
a sports flag must be removed.
In an email, the HOA president said "We treat all owners the same. If you travel
through our community you will see the only flags are those regulated by the
state."
“Puerto Rico is part of America, what's the big issue with us having our flag
there?” Efrain Santiago said.
The Santiagos said it may be time to revisit the rules, especially with Osceola
County's growing Hispanic community.
“We have our house, you see, up to standards. We're not doing anything wrong. We
we're not doing anything to our neighbors by flying our flag,” Efrain Santiago
said.
The Santiagos are not facing any fines for keeping the flag up, but that could
change, so they hired an attorney.
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