LAKELAND, Tenn. — A sign saying “F*** Em' Both 2024,” referencing the upcoming presidential election, is causing controversy over free speech in Lakeland.
The City of Lakeland cited Julie Pereira 50 dollars a day for five days of having the sign in her front yard, racking up $427 in those fines and other fees. The city rightly stated it violates Lakeland's municipal code 14-405 under prohibited signs and devices.
She has appeared before Lakeland Municipal Judge Kim Koratsky twice now for yard displays. Once for a Christmas decoration, and now for the election sign.
Since she has paid more than $400 and covered the letter “U” with tape - the city stopped citing her. However, the ordinance still stands, and some neighbors said they’re glad it does.
“It has implied expressive language that I feel is inappropriate for younger people,” neighbor Nathan Scallon said. “There are rights that should be protected, but that doesn’t give us license to act in an immoral or inappropriate way, especially regarding children in the area."
Pereira said the ordinance violates her first amendment rights.
“The sign policy is unconstitutional for the city of Lakeland,” Pereira said.
Pereira said she won’t take it down until after the November election. She also doesn't plan on letting the city tell her what she can’t display in her front yard.
“I’m not afraid to say what I stand for and believe in,” Pereira said.
A neighbor in agreement with Pereira said “it’s a slippery slope when the city starts sticking their nose in what people can and can’t do with their own private property.”
"I’m all about complying, I’m all about rules, I’m all about regulations, but I’m not about complying with rules and regulations that violate my rights and that violate the constitution," Pereira said. "There have been ample cases that have gone to the Supreme Court and have ruled exactly what I argued yesterday in court, that the city’s sign ordinance is unconstitutional.”
The City of Lakeland has not set another hearing date and refused to comment on “ongoing litigation”.
Pereira said Judge Koratsky told her he has enough against her to hold her in contempt next time. Pereira is going through Shelby County to file an appeal on the city’s decision. She doesn’t want to sue the city since it would impact taxpayer dollars. However, she said if they continue to go after her signs, legal action is not off the table.