FRENCH CAMP, Calif. (TND) — A California county has ordered Camping World stores to take down their American flags, citing safety concerns.
The company's French Camp store in the Central Valley has a flag flying twice as high as the store itself, after San Joaquin County ordered the store to remove it due to safety concerns, citing its proximity to an interstate and power lines.
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told KTXL that the company has requested French Camp locations continue flying.
“If I felt it was putting people at risk or causing problems for air traffic, which is a no-no, I wouldn't do it,” he said.
Lemonis reportedly added that the flagpole was securely installed deep in the ground.
A county spokesperson told The National Desk (TND) that Camping World initially put up the flag without getting official approval, noting that approval is required for flagpoles over 25 feet tall.
“The Camping World flagpole was installed without building consent or planning approval and we are in discussions with Code Enforcement,” a spokesman said.
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Lemonis told KTXL that if the flag was advertising the store, he would not have ordered it to be flown while the company was trying to get a permit. The CEO was quoted as saying the American flag would remain flying despite the county's objections.
“This symbolizes how we feel about this country. We have a lot of veterans who work for us and a lot of veterans who shop in our stores,” Lemonis told the outlet.
“I am grateful for the blessing of entering this country and becoming a citizen. This country has been a part of my life ever since I was a kid in Miami, Florida, and our car dealership had the largest flagpole in Miami,” the CEO added.
San Joaquin County told TND it is reviewing the store's permit application, adding that the state Department of Transportation is also reviewing the matter.
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