Confederate flag removed from Hillsborough County building

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – A Confederate flag hanging in Hillsborough County’s government center has left the building and is being relocated to the Tampa Bay History Center.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the flag came down Wednesday night with no fanfare or ceremony, hours after the County Commission voted for its removal following an emotional debate. The flag had hung in the lobby of the Frederick B. Karl County Center for two decades.

But the recent shooting in Charleston, S.C., that left nine people dead reignited the nation’s debate about placement of the divisive banner. Hillsborough residents turned out to speak for and against displaying the flag, but a united commission ultimately sided with those who see it as a symbol of pain and oppression.