SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — A dispute is heating up between Camping World and the city of Sevierville over a massive American flag. The company has erected a 130-foot flagpole, but city regulations limit such poles to a maximum of 44 feet. This height restriction is in place for safety and to protect scenic views.
A city official explained, “Tall structures can distract drivers and may create safety risks. They also impact what makes Sevierville a beautiful place for both residents and visitors.”
This isn’t the only location facing issues with Camping World. A similar situation is unfolding in Greeneville, North Carolina, where the company is also refusing to lower its flag. Camping World’s CEO, Marcus Lemonis, has made it clear that the flags will stay up, even in the face of fines.
In a reaction to Greeneville’s warnings about fines, Lemonis declared on social media, “The flag is not coming down. You can fine me all you want.” His defiance has sparked tension.
City officials in Sevierville have reported that their employees have received threats from Camping World supporters. They stated, “While free speech is important, targeting city workers who are just doing their jobs is not right.”
Last year, Camping World applied for permission to install the flagpole, but the city denied the request because of its size. Despite this, the pole was erected anyway, causing further frustration. Other businesses that also requested large flagpoles complied with city rules.
The city praised those businesses for their understanding and cooperation. “They’ve worked with us,” the official said. “This teamwork is essential for Sevierville’s growth.”
Supporters of Camping World have labeled the city’s regulations as unpatriotic. However, officials assert that the city’s policies are not against patriotism. They emphasized, “True patriotism values respect and civil discourse. Attacking employees for enforcing regulations shows a lack of basic decency.”
Some skeptics believe Camping World is using this situation to attract customers. As of now, the company has until late February to comply with the city’s requirements or face legal action.
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