Greenville, NC, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The installation of a massive American flag by Camping World in Greenville has led to heated discussions among City Council candidates about patriotism versus legality. The flag, measuring 3,200 square feet and flying 130 feet high, far exceeds city regulations. While some candidates support legal action against Camping World for this violation, others advocate focusing on more pressing city issues. Public sentiment appears largely in favor of the flag’s display, highlighting the conflict between community pride and adherence to local laws as election day approaches.
Greenville, NC – The installation of an oversized American flag by Camping World has sparked a significant debate among Greenville City Council candidates, as they addressed the issue during a recent forum. The flag, measuring a whopping 3,200 square feet and flying atop a 130-foot pole, stands 15 times larger than the city ordinances allow. The flag’s controversial placement at the intersection of Evans Street and Red Banks Road has ignited discussions on patriotism versus legal compliance.
Incumbent Mayor P.J. Connelly and former council member Mildred Atkinson participated in a forum hosted by local media outlets, which aired on Optimum Channel 7 and will be available online. Other candidates involved included District 5 Councilman Les Robinson and challenger Mike Tann, as well as District 1 Councilwoman Monica Daniels and challenger Arjenae Jones. District 2 challengers Deborah Sheppard and Kristine Sullivan were also present in discussions, while incumbent Tonya Foreman was unable to attend.
The City Council had previously voted 4-2 in March to sue Camping World for violating flag display regulations. A notice from city inspectors directed the company to remove the flag after confirming its noncompliance. Despite Camping World’s request for a text amendment to permit the oversized flag, which had raised concerns about traffic safety, the amendment was ultimately rejected. Council members initially appeared divided on the issue, with some advocating for legal action while others expressed the need to focus on more pressing city matters, such as infrastructure and affordable housing.
The upcoming Greenville City Council election is scheduled for November 4, with early voting set to take place from October 16 to November 1. As the election date approaches, candidates have begun to share their differing views on how to handle the flag situation and what it means for city governance.
Candidates acknowledged Camping World’s clear violation of city laws, yet opinions varied on whether pursuing legal action was the right course. Mayor Connelly focused on larger issues facing Greenville, while some council members argued that it was essential to uphold zoning laws to ensure fairness among all businesses. Following the rejection of the amendment, the council has been directed to discuss the possibility of pursuing further legal actions against Camping World in upcoming meetings.
Public sentiment appears to favor the flag’s continued display, creating a complex dynamic between community pride and adherence to local regulations. Council members who supported legal action against Camping World included Marion Blackburn, Tonya Foreman, Matt Scully, and Portia Willis, while members Monica Daniels and Les Robinson opposed the lawsuit. This division reflects the varying priorities and interpretations of the roles of local governance.
The council must navigate the challenge of balancing respect for a patriotic symbol with the necessity of enforcing local zoning laws. The ramifications of the flag installation, especially with new state legislation limiting local governments’ ability to regulate flag displays, are prompting significant deliberation as the election approaches. Candidates emphasized that ordinances exist for important reasons, recognizing the need to ensure both community values and legal compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the oversized American flag in Greenville?
The oversized flag installed by Camping World is 15 times larger than city ordinances allow, sparking a debate between patriotism and legal compliance.
When is the Greenville City Council election scheduled?
The Greenville City Council election is scheduled for November 4, with early voting taking place from October 16 to November 1.
What were the outcomes of previous city council votes related to the flag?
The City Council voted 4-2 in March to sue Camping World for violating flag display regulations, and a notice was issued to Camping World requiring the removal of the flag.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flag Size | 3,200 square feet |
| Flagpole Height | 130 feet |
| City Ordinance Limit | 216 square feet flag and 70-foot pole |
| Election Date | November 4 |
| Early Voting Period | October 16 to November 1 |
| Council Vote on Lawsuit | 4-2 in favor of suing Camping World |
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Additional Resources
- Reflector: Flag Issue Divides Candidates for Greenville City Council
- Greenville Online: Why Are Flags at Half Staff in SC?
- WBTV: Statesville Business Battle Over Huge American Flag Echoed Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flag
- Google Search: Flag Regulations Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
