NORTH PALM BEACH, FL--The Village of North Palm Beach code enforcement board voted in favor of a business owner who painted a giant mural of an American Flag on her Northlake business. Owner of True Treasures, Elena Johnson said, "This flag has been a wonderful thing for me since I came to the U.S., and I needed the flag to help me bring attention." Johnson came to this country from Italy.
The flag drew attention to her furniture consignment store because it was suspected of being in violation of the village's code. The 13-by-40 foot mural was painted across the east wall of her store. According to Village rules, Johnson would have to remove it or be fined up to $250 per day.
Monday night, the seven member Village code enforcement board found Johnson was not guilty of violating the rule because the mural was art and not advertising. However, all along Johnson had said she put the bright red, white and blue flag on the side of her building to draw attention to her business. In fact, before the meeting she said, "I just hope the town understands that we are going through difficult times and we need all the help we can get."
Village Manager, Jimmy Knight said, "Basically, what they did is exercise a provision within the code that allows for an exemption for art. Although during her testimony she actually said it was advertisement, the Village's position is that they must live with the ruling." There will be no appeal.
