IS THE "FREE SPEECH ZONE" REALLY "FREE"?

You may remember this time last year a controversy developed when members of Bartow's First Baptist Church constructed --- without permission --- a Nativity scene in front of the Neil Combee County Administration Building. That was followed by signs promoting the fictional holiday "Festivus" and a local morning radio show.

After the stink that was raised, County Commissioners developed a policy designating a "free speech zone" outside the administration building. But noone has used it. At least one group --- the Baptist Church group that placed the display there last year --- has cited the policy's requirments as a reason.

The six-page policy prohibits any lights or audio on the display, along with no profanity, pornography, or commercial speech. But it also requires anyone wishing to use the "free speech zone" to purchase a $500,000 insurance policy to protect the county from liability. It also requires 21 days advance notice and approval from the county.

Now, the president of the Orlando-based Central Florida American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) chapter is hoping to meet with commissioners soon to work on amending the policy, and is threatening legal action if negotiations are not successful. Another ACLU chapter, the Tampa-based West Florida Chapter, recently requested a copy of the Polk County policy.