ACLU files suit against Clearwater

CLEARWATER - The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida has filed suit against the city of Clearwater on behalf of the owner of a bait shop.

The ACLU thinks the First Ammendment rights of the owner were violated when he was fined for putting up a mural on the side of his building. After the fine was issued, Herb Quintero put up a banner with the text of the first ammendment. The city decided to slap on another fine because of that banner.

Quintero says he put the banner up to show protest after pleading no contest to his earlier codes violation.

"The problem with this ordinance is that it puts too much discretion in the hands of the city to decide what is art and what is not," said Becky Steele with the ACLU.

Steele and the lawsuit point out a number of other murals around Clearwater whose owners have not been prosecuted.

The banner is a different issue, but the ACLU will again argue not everyone is treated the same. There are no limits on banners or displays with a holiday theme.

A spokesperson for the city declined to respond until the situation is reviewed by legal staff.