TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) -- There's a dispute brewing over a patriotic mailbox wrap in Tallahassee, Florida, after a homeowners' association said it's not allowed.
The Southwood Residential Community Association in Tallahassee sent a letter to the veteran who put up the wrap, asking him to remove it or face penalties. However, the veteran said he's not backing down without a fight.
"It’s not in consonance with their aesthetic values here in Southwood," said retired U.S. Navy Officer, John Ackert.
Ackert received the notice last week.
"As the holiday season comes to a close, please remove the American flag mailbox wrap. Decoration may be displayed 30 days prior and must be taken down 15 days after,” Ackert continues. "That’s been there for four years. It was put there 30 days after I moved into this house."
Now, Ackert is standing up for what he believes in. He wrote an appeal and hopes the SRCA changes its mind.
"I view this as a form of bullying to be honest. And I think people should stand up to bullying of any form, and particularly this," Ackert said.
Neighbors in Southwood said the patriotism is refreshing, and the letter was a bit harsh.
"The man’s a veteran, he served the country. It's just a mailbox with a flag, I don't think it's right. He owns the house, he can at least have that," said neighbor, Mike Patel.
Residents receive a binder full of rules and standards before moving into Southwood. Many said they're not surprised of the H.O.A.'s actions.
"They do things like this all the time. I think it's ridiculous. What's wrong with being patriotic in the country you live in?" said neighbor, Mike Stephenson.
The letter said Ackert has 15 days to remove the wrap, or face a fine. He has not received a response since submitting his appeal.
Gray affiliate WCTV reached out to the community association Wednesday for comment, but have not heard back.
