Flying flags on the Bridge of Lions

The light posts on the rehabilitated Bridge of Lions have two eyelets above the lamps and local St. Augustine reporters with Historic City News have learned that some people think the purpose of those eyelets is for flying flags.

Bridge project spokesperson Laurie Sanderson says while elements of the bridge were being thoroughly researched for historic accuracy, “nothing was found to explain the purpose of those eyelets on the light posts.”

While city commissioners decided several years ago that only government or American flags would be flown on the bridge, City Attorney Ron Brown has found court rulings that have decided that the American flag “is not content neutral.”

“Old Glory” is classified the same as any other flag for this purpose — permitting it to be flown allows the flying of any other flag.

Although flag inquiries have already been received by the city, no action has been taken to approve requests to fly flags from the bridge.

The Florida Department of Transportation owns the bridge, and, at this point, it is not known whether or not they are willing to continue an agreement with the city that allows the use of the light posts.