JOSEPH, MARY, AND BABY JESUS MAY HAVE A HOME, AFTER ALL

It seems that the Nativity scene which caused such an uproar when it was erected without permission in front of the Neil Combee Administration Building in Bartow may have a second life.

The City of Mulberry, a small town located just south of Lakeland, has sent a letter to the Sunday School class of Bartow's First Baptist Church offering a home to the controversial display on the lawn of it's City Hall.

City Manager Patricia Jackson was quoted in today's Lakeland Ledger as saying that the the city "would be honored to display it at Mulberry City Hall." Her letter stated that the City Commission unanimously agreed that it would be delighted to have the Nativity scene..."

A member of the Sunday School class that put up the display, retired Polk County Sheriff's Office major Marvin Pittman, said they have not seen the letter, but is sure that someone from the class would respond.

The display, which was dismantled Monday when the "Temporary Free Speech Zone" expired at the BOCC offices, is being stored at the home of one of the class members.