Resort Officials Address Beach, Boardwalk Political Flags

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials say there is little they can do to address political flags that are displayed on the beach and Boardwalk.

During the public comments section of Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, 18th Street resident Estella Santos came before elected officials to share her concerns about the placement of political flags on the beach and Boardwalk. While Santos argued the flags detracted from the ocean views, city officials said they could not restrict free speech.

“We do have a sign ordinance, but flags and political speech are not what that ordinance is about,” said City Solicitor Heather Stansbury. “So there isn’t an ordinance about these types of flags. Political speech has perhaps the most protection under the First Amendment. It is symbolic speech, it is political speech. There is nothing we can really do about it, or frankly should you, under the law.”

In her comments Monday, Santos said she was walking on the Boardwalk near 8th Street last week when she noticed political flags on both the beach and Boardwalk. When she removed one of the flags from the wooden step railings leading to the beach, an argument between her and the flags’ owner escalated to the point the police department was called.

“I am a very happy resident of Ocean City, and I don’t believe the city council wants to see the placement of these monstrous flags on our beautiful beach become accepted practice,” she said. “I conclude by asking the Mayor and Council to reconsider its policy of permitting the flying of political flags, or really any flags, on the beach. Additionally, I request the city council revoke the privilege of this person who has threatened me and threatens the safety of the residents and visitors of Ocean City. He should be stopped from flying his flags on the beach.”

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