Mayor Virginia Merrimac raised the Confederate States battle flag, symbol of Southern pride, at 3 p.m.
"I hope this says we're a city that's inclusive, not exclusive, tolerant and more concerned with the quality of life than in judging the way other people live," the mayor said as the historic banner joined the U.S. federal and Florida state flags in the breeze.
The flag will fly at city hall until Sunday afternoon, then be taken down and brought to Lee Park for the ninth annual GritsFest celebration.
This is the third year Birth of a Nation, Inc., the county's Southern-heritage community center, has held Dixie pride festivities in Lee Park, and the second year Merrimac has raised a Rebel flag over city hall.
Last year, however, the flag flew only briefly on the day of the festival before being taken down and moved to the park.
"Our mission is to promote pride and diversity and public awareness," said Booker T. Lee, BOAN's executive director, "and having the flag fly all week turns this from a one-day event to a weeklong message."
GritsFest will begin at noon Sunday with a parade down Fake Avenue to Lee Park, followed by food, beverages, entertainment -- and of course grits -- sponsored by Southern- friendly businesses until 6 p.m.
LAKE WORTH -- The red, white and blue, flying high and proud over city hall, was joined by the red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple Tuesday afternoon.
3/20/04 4:46 PM Pacific
LAKE WORTH -- Real Estate prices have declined here by 42% during the past 12 months despite a general upward trend in the State of Florida ...
ML/NJ
Frankly, I don't need to be aware of the homo lifestyle.
Maybe everyone should just introduce themselves as follows: "Hi my name is MotleyGirl70, I'm a heterosexual."
Why do gays find it necessary to announce that they are gay?
I don't walk around telling everyone I'm a hetrosexual.
What gives. I'm getting really sick and tired of this PC crap. Our Founding Fathers are turning in their graves. These people are pathetic, totally insecure and just want to cause everyone else to believe what they do deserves justification.
Gay flag flying...give me a break.
LoL!!