As the country is roiled in grief and protest over the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota, and race is again at the forefront of the national discussion, the graffiti of a Confederate battle flag was discovered sprayed on the side of a wall at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast Monday.
A few other less definable graffiti were also discovered. In Flagler County, The flag is the first overt evidence of racism or vandalism in response to the resurgent Black Lives Matter movement. Flagler and its cities have otherwise been the scene of three peaceful and hugely diverse protests in solidarity with Black Lives Matter last week, without any security or other types of incidents, and in cooperation with local sheriff’s deputies and the police departments of Bunnell and Flagler Beach. In that sense, the graffiti stands in aberration to the more civil and conciliatory atmosphere of the last days in the county.
The flag, a symbol of the Old South and presumed heritage some, an emblem of racist hate and terror to blacks and most others, has been a flashpoint of conflict over the decades since the civil rights era, when Southern legislatures and local governments raised the flag again in protest against desegregation and associated developments, before a backlash against the flag forced its removal from numerous public places in the 1990s, and again a few years ago.
The killing of Floyd led to a new wave of flag and Confederate monument removals, including in Tampa, Birmingham, Ala., and Richmond, Va.
The flag has reappeared as a marker of defiance in the wake of more recent police and vigilante killings of blacks, its message of intimidation or derision hardly mysterious.
A Flagler County Sheriff’s deputy found the spray-painted flag on a south-side wall of the school gymnasium while conducting a security check Monday. The deputy spoke with an assistant principal, who told him school staff had left campus Friday, for the weekend, around 4 p.m. The assistant principal had been on campus Saturday and not seen anything suspicious. “I checked the school security cameras and was unable to locate any person that committed this vandalism,” the deputy wrote in an incident report. The report doesn’t make clear why, if security cameras were on, no individual or individuals were picked out, and no time for when the spray-painting took place was denoted.
An image the sheriff’s office provided shows a rather carefully rather than hastily drawn flag with a rectangular outline, its cross of stars seemingly knowing enough to include the requisite number of stars, and the red background using the brick wall to accentuate what appears to be a thin coating of reddish spray.
There are no suspects. A sheriff’s spokesperson said late this afternoon that the incident remains under investigation.
While the graffiti stood out for its vandalism and symbolic message, two billboards posted by Kix Country, the Flagler Broadcasting station, have drawn attention along Flagler roads for featuring two Confederate flags in advertising for Confederate Railroad, the Georgia band performing locally in October. The double-flagged logo has triggered numerous protests and led to the cancellation of some of the band’s performances. One of the billboards is on State Road 100, the other is on U.S. 1. The billboards pre-date the George Floyd protests.
They have remain in place–but not for long.
“I did call the billboard company yesterday to take them down just because of the perceptions, which–perception is the reality,” David Ayres, general manager of Flagler Broadcasting, said this evening. “Confederate Railroad the band has been around since the 70s or 80s, there’s nothing racist about them, super guys, but I understand, and don’t want to cause distressed. That’s not the purpose of it, it’s just a fun day, so I called the billboard company yesterday and asked them to pull them down, just because the times we’re in.”
The billboards had been up about two months. They’ll be replaced with Kiks Country billboards without the Confederate Railroad ad. “We’re very sensitive to the times we’re in, and we like everybody. We don’t want to do anything to make anybody uncomfortable,” Ayres said.
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Nancy Allen says
No surprise here that security cameras did not capture the vandalism. We are no longer sheep. Flagler County Sheriff must look at video footage from security cameras all around the school perimeter, as the person that did this is probably trying to cause further divide in our great city too. We are united in love and condemn hate and evil of any kind.
Bartholomew says
Those cameras are not very good and they take a long time to watch EVERYTHING for a weekend. It takes quite an effort to check them all.
CB from PC says
And what possible vandalism could ever occur at a school which would justify decent equipment?
Not a snowflake says
Lets just get rid of anything that remotley has to do with any heritage. We have already started with the south now lets start removing MLK statues. If we are gonna start changing street names then lets change them all. Taking from one heritage is racist in itself.
Hmmm says
Its not that heritage is bad. Its what an individual stood for. A man fighting for equality is different than a man whipping slaves or fighting to keep segregation. Not hard to understand for most.
CB from PC says
Another comment supporting the need to require studying American Civil War History in our schools. It would be good for both sides of the argument.
bran eloi says
“argument”… exactly what is the “argument” anyway? that amerikkka has every right to enshrine & flaunt the history of institutional slavery, of TREASON & SEDITION?! oh right, there were “good ppl on BOTH sides”. ofc.
CB from PC says
Thanks for reinforcing the need for American History Education on the causes of the American Civil War.
Jeff says
Dr King promoted progress, these KKK Confederate cowards promote regression to an era of fear and subjugation. I wouldn’t compare the two.
In light of this comment, Psalms 118:8 says “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” I don’t think any man deserves too much credit for anything. But don’t compare white supremacy and bigotry to civil rights activists.
Not a snowflake says
Who is a kkk confederate coward?
You cant hide your ignorance well can you. Who ever painted this flag knows nothing of the history. The flag painted on the wall had 15 stars. Anyone from the south knows there are only 13 stars. And by the way , why was other graffiti unrecognizable but this flag was not? Someone did this to try to make southerners look bad. It was planted! Please dont raise your kids with this mentality. People like you keep racism alive. It almost dies and you guys keep bring it back to life.
CB from PC says
Guys like Al Sharpton would be unemployed. Race Baiters Corp. would go bankrupt if Racism disappeared.
Can you say Tawana Brawley?
CB from PC says
The KKK die not exist until AFTER the defeat of the Confedrates by the Union. Confederate Colonel Nathan Bedford Forrest and ex-officers founded it after war. When Southerners began harassing Blacks dressed in their hoods, Forrest ordered it disbanded.
It reenergized at Stone Mountain GA around. 1915.
If you were any type of influential Southerner, you belonged. And most of them were Democrats as being a Republican in the South after Lincoln and the Republicans freed the Slaves meant you were not going to be elected or appointed to any political office.
Thanks for reinforcing the need to seriously study the American Civil War and Reconstruction.
Seanpeckham says
You hit it on the head
I don’t understand why people in my community want to take down other people Heritage when they’re having problems with their own concentrate your own heritage And embrace others this will stop the divide
bran eloi says
you don’t understand that 1 group of ppl’s “heritage” is interwoven almost inextricably w/ANOTHER ppl’s heritage, that it might overshadow & pervert BOTH stories but 1 isn’t very honest to begin with??!! this, i believe, is referred to as “willful obduracy” fellow citizen & much good may it do ANY of us so good luck w/that. 🙏🏿
Denali says
I am a son of the South and I am as mad as hell.
Every member of my family was born below the Mason-Dixon Line. During the American Civil War they marched with Lee from Manassas to Gettysburg, several were in the 43rd Battalion of the Virginia Calvary, Mosby’s Raiders. Others fought in the swamps of Louisiana at places named Bayou Teche, Lafourche, and Natchitoches. Some were volunteers and some were conscripted into service. My family was a mixed lot, there were shop keepers, carpenters and farmers, some owned slaves and others were slaves.
The one truth I was given by my Great Grandfather (whose father fought in that war) was that the the men who picked up arms against the United States were traitors to the United States and they knew it. Why did they do it? The reason, and the only reason, they committed treason was to maintain the right to own another human being. Yes, the only reason the war was fought was to continue slavery in the south thereby allowing work that whites deemed to be beneath them to be accomplished. There was no ‘Southern Lifestyle’ unless you want to talk about how the the land owners lived a genteel life while the slaves and poor whites lived in object poverty – that truly was the ‘Southern Lifestyle’.
My relatives from Virginia marched under the Battle Flag of The Army of Northern Virginia, the Stars and Bars, more commonly the Confederate Flag today. As stated, those men were traitors and to this son of the south, anyone hiding behind that flag today is a traitor to the United States. Bull hockey on your statements about a lifestyle, you neither knew that lifestyle nor do you have any justification.
I grew up in the shadows of monuments to Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, Pierre G. T. Beauregard and the Battle of Liberty Place. The buses and streetcars I rode as a kid had ‘white only’ sections, the same was true for restaurants and theaters. I have seen the segregation of the deep south. I am glad to see these monuments to white supremacy being removed. They were not the product of the war itself, rather they were created 30 – 50 years after the war by white supremacists trying revive slavery.
I can’t breathe; it is not from some racist cop kneeling on my neck but from the stench emitted by the treasonous, bigoted white supremacy element trying to usurp our country.
CB from PC says
You left out the part about Democrats such as George Wallace, Lester Maddox, Jimmy Carter’s Lt. Gov. Medgar Evers, Hillary Clinton’s “mentor” Robert Byrd, Al Gore Sr. And a whole lot more of Southern Dixiecrat Hospitality which told the local politicians and Sheriff’s how to deal with “problems”. If the Party did not need their votes, well you get the picture, maybe.
bran eloi says
“Medgar Evers” (???!!!) i do believe u r thinking of someone else citizen; medgar evers was a “LT.” under MLK…😂
CB from PC says
GLAD TO SEE SOMEONE IS PAYING ATTENTION. Class dismissed.
Florida Voter says
Please read what was written. He left out all mention of party affiliation. I think he was indirectly referencing the fact that the Confederate flag is a symbol of a TERRORIST organization. If you equate terrorism and white supremacy with a certain political party, please have some deep introspective reflection on your ideals.
Here’s the official definition of domestic terrorism. See if the Confederacy fits (Title 18 U.S. Code § 2331, if you’re interested.)
(5)the term “domestic terrorism” means activities that—
(A)involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
(B)appear to be intended—
(i)to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii)to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii)to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C)occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States;
TL;DR From FBI: Domestic terrorism: Violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.
CB from PC says
Actually all the Dixiecrats, sans Evers and Byrd were White Supremacists and Democrats. Lincoln was a Republican, the Party which under General Grant (and later Republican President) defeated the South.
BTW, your codes became law long after the Civil War ended.
Good idea to make sure it did not happen again.
Study some History.
Eva says
Thank you for sharing your story, Denali, and God bless you. We need to keep speaking the truth until the liars have no where to hide.
Craig Gorton says
Do you realize General Robert E Lee was a graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point, he was offered command of the union army and chose to return to his home state of Virginia and command the Army of Northern Virginia? Do you realize that history happened and no matter how many monuments are taken down or gravesites disgraced history still happened and nothing will change that. There is more to the civil war than slavery. People are going to keep pushing and history will repeat itself.!!!
CB from PC says
He served 32 years in the U.S. Army. Distinguished himself with the Engineering Corps. Fort Pulaski and Fort Monroe construction.
And the Mexican American War. Also was part of ending occupation of the Federal Armory at Harper’s Ferry by murdering John Brown.
bran eloi says
O.M.G, i fuqqin LOVE u brohim; y can’t more european amerikans understand these things? our history is a tangled, knotted mess that needs to be sorted out so we can move FORWARD towards the great PROMISE of this american democratic experiment.
however, the word u want there is “ABJECT” not ‘object’ (poverty). 🤓👴🏿👴🏻🙏🏿☻
Denali says
Oops – thank you for the correction. Abject it should have been.
Hmmm says
Very well said!! Everyone should read this, because its obvious a lot of people just dont get it. Thank you.
deborah s mott says
come on people grow up!
Andy says
That’s a shame. Vandalism is bad; racism is worse. My fav Confederate flag was their last one; the white flag of surrender.
Dr x says
the south shall rise again
Elizabeth Wrenn says
The south never rose in the first place.
I am a southerner but I hate that statement because it is so not true. Please tell me when it “rose” the first time.
Grow up people is right!
Jimbo99 says
Probably one of those that goes to the church of the pastor that goes to council meetings with her 5 minutes of hate speech on LGBTQ ?
Othello says
I vividly remember when I was in junior high in the mid-80s living in Long Island NY, proud racists from the high school and surrounding white neighborhood fashioned a noose around a life-size doll with a black head and hands, hanging it on the school’s baseball backstop. As we left on our buses we were sent off with obscenities and racial epithets.
At aged 14, I had the NAACP showing up at my various court case’s making sure I wasn’t railroaded for defending myself against the multitude of physical and verbal assaults when I decided to fight back. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t an angel and I did my dirt, but I would have no part in bigotry. The school was no help, totally in denial of the racist culture it helped to perpetuate. Once I reached High School, the same thing continued. We had the largest High School in NY at that time, over two thousand students, sixteen white for every black kid.
Whoever spray painted that wall could have put worse stuff up there than that. If it’s a kid, community service and educate him, her, them – whatever color they may be. If It’s an adult, enforce whatever laws are applicable. I doubt it’s a true southerner who even did it. I’ve lived in Flagler county long enough to know if a local native black or white has something to say to you they’re going to say it to your face not write it on a wall.
Dale says
God bless America! This is the America that won the war, and from that war rose an inclusive America with Nothern Values! That billboard was a disgrace to the real America and real Americans!
As for the racist flag meant to intimidate students and staff, that terrosist flag is no longer acceptable in these parts!
CB from PC says
General Thomas Stonewall Jackson and wife saw it as their “Christian Duty” to educate Black children in literacy. This was a violation of Law and they did it under the guise of “Sunday School”. Too bad they also do not teach that Union General William Sherman would also be a Cdnvicted War Criminal for what his Army did to the civilian population.
Dumbfounded says
“Northern values”? Jim Crow, the system of laws that advanced segregation and black disenfranchisement, began in the North, not the South. Lincoln lost in New York City by a landslide, in both elections!
In 1860, New York state voters overwhelmingly supported a referendum to keep universal suffrage rights only for white men. According to a survey from the Boston Globe, black people ranked Boston as least welcoming to people of color. 54 percent rated Boston as unwelcoming. And guess where Christopher Cantwell was born and raised. (Hint-it definitely wasn’t a southern state). And even in a New York Times poll in 1964, a majority of New Yorkers thought the civil rights movement had gone too far. Learn your history, racism isn’t regional.
yankeeexpat says
Make an outdoor urinal out of it.
Fly High says
What a bunch of pansies ! Oh, the Big Bad Flag is going to get me . Oh, how aweful……… You know what’s aweful ? Rioting, Looting, and destruction of our American cities .
Hmmm says
The thing is, our town doesnt have rioting and looting. What we have is vandalism with a flag that was put there obviously for racially reasons. Stirring the pot that could cause tension.
Jeff says
Sorry, too many have already died because of the hate that flag represents. Besides, isn’t that the loser’s flag?
Real Americans fought against Nazi’s, and Confederates, but for the patriots here, each of those flags are offensive for several reasons: The ideology they represent revolves around hate, white supremacy, losers, and cowards…
So, get lost.
Fly High says
Oh, I’m so scared the Flag is going to get me…. OMG its so Racist…. Let’s fly the Black Panther Flag….that’s a peaceful Flag.
Florida Voter says
I notice that you had to say “destruction of our American cities” instead of “vandalism,” … nice.
Dennis C Rathsam says
I guess some people, are sick of all the BLM. All lives matter. By taking down all the confederate statues{ Americas history} yall make believe it didnt happen? If those monuments are all taken down, Martin Luthers statue should come down too! Tit for tat… Stop making believe all cops a bad, and all white people are racists. If this lack of compassion, toward our fellow man continues I fear another war will be fought inside the US!
John says
The confederate flag is America’s equivalent of the nazi flag. Why would you want to celebrate your racist heritage? No a lot of Germans walking around with nazi flags in Germany these days.
Veronica says
Wow! 6 million compares? They aren’t in the same ball park.
Concerned Citizen says
Someone did that to garner attention and they got it. Wasn’t even a really good paint job.
As a History Major our country has had some pretty shameful time periods in our past. And now those are reoccurring presently. So that tells us we have learned nothing. But rewritting it and trying to erase it isn’t the solution either.
As I’ve stated before discrimination of any kind does not belong in today’s society.I am in an inter-racial relationship. My wife is African American and now a Nurse Practioner after a long career as an RN. I watched her struggle and often spoke out myself when it was obvious that she was being passed over because of race. We should be better than that. Human rights should be the forfront of every political discussion and new laws should be passed to protect those at a disadvantage.
Speaking as a prior public safety person our Law Enforcement system needs reform. And fast also. All to many times I have seen abuse and excessive use of force when it was uncalled for. These people entering this profession are supposed to be trained to handle things better than they are doing now. They also swore an oath entering that profession. And that oath holds them to much higher standards than the regular citizen. Yes it’s a stressful job. After serving in the Airforce on active duty I spent 6 years as a Deputy Sheriff then retired as a Lieutenant out of Fire Rescue. You know what you are getting into going in. If you can’t handle it without taking aggresion out on the public then you have no place in it.
I’m not sure what the answer is to fix it all. But I hope that a peaceful solution can be found and fast. Before things get any worse than they are.
CB from PC says
It will be interesting who and what were the motives once, and if, the person(s) responsible are caught.
In the meantime be aware there will be a shortage of nightlights in case there are any more scary flags or statues lurking about.
Personally, given my heritage I am afraid of British Union Jacks.
Hope no one paints any of those.
Concerned Citizen says
Amen to that.
A large portion of my family is of Irish decent. And came over during the “potato famine” of 1845. Those that stayed have dealt with the British opression over the years. People forget that discrimination and segregation is not restricted to race.
CB from PC says
The British committed genocide on my Irish ancestors.
The British introduced Slavery to the Jamestown Colony in Virginia from a captured Portuguese Slave ship.
Course the Portuguese could never have had the Slaves in the first place without Arab Slave traders and African tribes capturing the weaker members.
Key West lady says
A Confederate Flag… Billboard with the word “Confederate” OMG we’re doomed! What they did is wrong, so is all the graffiti on our national monuments. Confederate flag is part of our history… oh wait, we need to remove all our monuments referring to anything of the South, to eliminate our history. I am born & raised in Winter Park, FL. I went to school at Hungerford Elementary, in historic Eatonville & then we all went Winter Park Jr. & then Edgewater. Didn’t grow up designating people with color, everyone had a name. We’re creating segregation now, “black lives matter”, we all matter, we’re all human beings. Do things need change, you bet! I’m still baffled why these witness’s video tapped what was happening to Mr. Floyd & did nothing to stop it, I know I couldn’t have stood by & watched police doing this, I wouldn’t have cared if they have a gun, I would have started screaming. Everyone stood by video tapped his death instead… heartbreaking. Oh, has anyone been to the Black Masonic Cemetery? I have, to pay my respects several times. Place needs some TLC.
Grieving says
The country is grieving his death? Yes, he lost his life, but I don’t know the guy. I grieve for family and friend that I know. Yes, a man lost his life because of an asshat cop, but grieve for a complete stranger? Does the country grieve for a mother and children that die because of a drunk driver? Didn’t think so
bran eloi says
& when was the last time u viewed video footage of a drunk driver colliding w/a minivan that sent a 1yr old from their carseat in the rear thru the front windshield?
Sherry says
Why is it that often the same people who make light of the symbolic message “Confederate” Flags, are the first ones to shout foul when “they” perceive disrespect of the symbolism of the US flag by taking a knee during the national anthem. Either flags are symbolic or not. . . that is unless you are a hypocrite.
How soon we forget the grieving members of MADD. . . Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. . . who protested, and worked for years and years to change the laws, resulting in a big reduction of people killed by drunk drivers!
CB from PC says
I wonder how many of those professional athletes taking a knee during the COVID-19 game suspension were out in their “communities” coaching kids on what it takes to be a success.
Richard says
I remember MADD and I’d bet the deed to my house that their protests never resulted in riots, looting and businesses destroyed and law enforcement officers killed. All Lives Matter!
CB from PC says
The only flag I fly., and I fly it DAILY, is the American Flag.
On Memorial and Veterans Days, additional Flags are flown honoring Men and Women of every Race who have served and died for our Country.
No mention anywhere this past June 6 of D-Day.
Instead of getting your panties in a wad over a Confederate Flag, try flying the Stars and Bars.
Damn few of them here in Palm Coast.
Denali says
By the tone of your comment one must assume you meant to say the “Stars and Stripes’??? The Stars and Bars was the flag of the Confederate States of America. And you are right, there are very few of these in Palm Coast – don’t know I have ever seen one.
If you really meant we should fly the Stars and Bars, you are being self-contradictory.
CB from PC says
I meant the Stars and Stripes.
Thanks.
CB from PC says
American Flag Day is June 14.
Those of you who despise the Confederate Flag and all it stands for, fly an American Flag.
After all, it is the Flag of the winning side.
snapperhead says
Mixed feelings about the whole “heritage” and race issues. Let’s stop the BS that the Civil War was about heritage and not slavery. Most states in the south at the time wrote proclamations declaring their desire to secede from the US because of big gubmint taking away their desire to continue slavery, some under the guise of states rights.. However I find the whole ” woe is me because i’m black movement” over the line, I base my opinion on facts….blacks as a % of the population commit more crimes than any other ethnicity. Blacks as a % of the population have the highest % of single mothers than any other ethnicity.Highest number in poverty, least educated, etc as a % of the population…is that all race related? I’m not convinced. What country run by predominantly black leaders is among the highly regarded first world/second world countries? Why do Asians and Hispanics assimilate and thrive more so than blacks do in the US? Why is it we have a black history month but no other history months for other minorities? Why do we have predominantly black colleges but not not for other minorities? Where are the marches for equality for these other “minorities”? If we’re being honest what other ethnicity has embraced the “gangsta” culture like blacks have? What other minorities wear their pants half way down their ass and expose their ass/underwear like blacks have? Sometimes they’re their own worst enemy.
Othello says
Yo, I really, really wish I knew who you were!
Willy Boy says
The sins of our fathers. Now according to the CEO of BET we need to give 14 Trillion for reparation. Mexico wants Texas, AZ, NM, CA back, and the Injuns want the whole shebang. Lots of wrongs need righting. No telling who’s gonna claim the moon and Mars when Elon plants Ole Glory.
Florida Girl says
I hate the thought of any child starting a relationship with law-enforcement this younge. Sometimes I miss the days back in 1970’something when as a child, if you made the mess, you were to clean up the mess. Like with soap and water, not with criminal charges and hate crimes. They are still considered children, right? Formable still, are they not?
Call me crazy, but I cant recall a time in history when one country fought SO hard against itself to FREE another people, but that was WAY back then. Today, to me, a woman who has interacial grandchildren – to racist people, everything is about race. Or so my experience has dictated.
I also think with Black Lives Matter – those black lives are NOT saying, no other lives matter. I think what they are saying is, stand with us again, because, it may be needed.
AND that’s how I chose to spend my two cents today!
Sherry says
While we all “should” be speaking out against racism and discrimination against ALL minorities in our country. . . there is at least one major difference with our African American population. Many of their ancestors were captured in their homeland like animals, horrifically abused, and brought here as “PROPERTY TO BE SOLD”. They were not even recognized as having the most fundamental of “human rights”!
Even after the slaves were freed, and many of their civil rights battles won, African Americans have never been treated truly EQUALLY!
So, when you live in your privileged white skin and paint an entire race as “INFERIOR” to you. . . using your broad brush of “judgement”, perhaps you should first try to at least intellectually understand their life’s challenges and their perspective. Oh, and by the way. . . such judgement means you are bigoted and biased, by definition.
When “All Lives Matter EQUALLY” we will have accomplished something truly GREAT for our future!
Have a great afternoon! Stay safe and healthy! Care for your neighbors by wearing your mask in crowded public places. Seek peace, joy and love!