A "FREE SPEECH ZONE" IN POLK COUNTY???

Remember the stink that was raised after the Baptists erected a Manger scene on the front lawn of the Neil Combee Administration Building in Bartow before Christmas? And the other signs that followed next to it?

The Polk County Commission has been considering the idea of a "free speech zone" where displays could be placed for a time. A "Citizens Advisory Council" is expected to present it's ideas by April 1. However, the Lakeland Ledger reports this morning that Commissioner Paul Senft, the most moderate of the five Republicans who make up the County Commission, has the idea of a knoll or park where 12 foot x 12 foot areas would be marked and numbered for anyone on a first come, first serve basis. Senft's idea would have no electricity available, and no lighting or sound would be permitted. And exhibitors would have to meet "generally accepted standards of obscenity and moral decency."

But a suitable place has to be found first...and that likely won't mean in or near the Administration Building or Polk County Courthouse; the space that Commissioner Senft is considering simply isn't there. And you know that they ain't gonna mess with the lawn in front of the Old County Courthouse. Maybe in front of the Supervisor of Elections office?