JUPITER - Gov. Jeb Bush celebrated Flag Day with a Marine Corps veteran who owes nearly $30,000 in fines for flying an American flag from a 12-foot pole in his front yard.
George Andres, who was stationed in the Pacific from 1956-1962, violated his homeowners association policy and a court order when he raised his flag from a pole instead of from brackets attached to his house.
Friday, Bush gave Andres a flag that flew over the state Capitol.
``Rather than just say it's unacceptable, people ought to put aside their differences and their obsession with rules and regulations, and use common sense to make decisions,'' Bush said.
Bush signed legislation in April allowing homeowners to fly Old Glory in a reasonable, respectful manner and to file suit against homeowners associations that forbid it.
In June 2001, a judge ordered Andres to pay $100 for each day the pole remains outside his town house since she ordered him to take it down in October 2000. Bush presented Andres a personal check for $100 Friday.
Steven Selz, an attorney for the association, said the group has tried to reason with Andres and told the judge not to jail him.
This story can be found at : http://www.tampatrib.com/floridametronews/MGAW6PXGI2D.html