California county orders Camping World store take down American flag, citing safety fears

FRENCH CAMP, Calif. (TND) — A California county is ordering a Camping World store to take down its American flag, citing safety concerns.

The company’s French Camp location, which sits in the Central Valley, flies its flag at what appears to be twice the height of the store itself. San Joaquin County has ordered the store to remove it over safety concerns, pointing to its proximity to an interstate and power lines.

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis told KTXL that he demanded the French Camp location continue flying it.

If we felt like we were putting people in danger or causing any issues with air traffic, which would absolutely not be okay, then I wouldn’t do it,” he said.

Lemonis reportedly added that the flagpole sits securely deep in the ground.

A county spokesperson told The National Desk (TND) that Camping World originally set up the flag without any official approval. The spokesperson noted any poles higher than 25 feet require approval.

“Camping World’s flagpole was installed with neither a building permit nor planning approval, therefore they are in conversation with the code enforcement division,” the spokesperson said.

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Lemonis told KTXL that if the flag was an advertisement for the store, he wouldn’t have ordered it fly while the company tries to acquire a permit. The Star-Spangled Banner will continue flying despite the county’s pushback, the CEO reportedly said.

It’s symbolism about how we feel about this country. We have a lot of veterans who work for us, and a lot of veterans who shop with us,” Lemonis told the outlet.

“I was given the blessing of being able to enter this country and become a citizen, and I’m grateful for it. It’s been part of my life since I was a little child down in Miami, Florida where we had the largest flag pole in Miami at our car dealership,” the CEO added.

San Joaquin County told TND it is reviewing the store's permit application. It added the state's Department of Transportation is also reviewing the matter.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.