Clearwater removes flagpoles in attempt to save cash

 Post a comment | E-mail this story | Print 

CLEARWATER (Bay News 9) -- Money is so tight in Clearwater that the city can no longer afford to fly the American flag.

The city's parks and recreation director ordered the removal of more than a dozen flagpoles from across the city this week, saying that budget cuts make it impossible to properly care for the flags.

According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, the city says lighting flags at night and removing them if they are damaged are tasks the city cannot afford to worry about anymore.

Be in the Know with Bay News 9 Now!

Get news, weather, and traffic alerts delivered directly to your computer desktop, e-mail, or cell phone with Bay News 9 Now.

• Subscribe for free!

More Pinellas County Stories

• Clearwater party shooting kills two, injures another
• Pinellas Park double shooting suspect arrested
• 2-year-old runs into traffic, hit by SUV
• New: Task force recommends three options for pier
• DUI arrest made in crash that injured a cyclist
• In Depth: Going to the Grand Prix? Get info here
• Update: St. Pete house fire caused by outlet shortage
• Largo art teacher arrested for DUI, fleeing
• Task force to narrow down options for new Pier

 Snooty The Manatee Cam

Watch Snooty the manatee and friends at Parker Manatee Aquarium (Mon. -Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).

• Snooty Cam

• Listen live
• Employee blogs
• Twitter page

• Breaking alerts
• RSS news feed
• Upload video

Want to go green?

• Energy saving tips
• Eating green
• County by county recycling

Bay News 9's Partners