US flag removed from Cape Coral Sports Complex

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – City workers noticed a bare flagpole at the Cape Coral Sports Complex on Independence Day.

The culprit has not been been caught, but one Cape Coral resident said the flag’s removal was an act of disrespect.

“A lot of folks fought and died for this country and for the flag it represents — that’s our symbol. It brings us together as a country,” John Mandt, a U.S. Marine veteran, said.

A new flag was returned to the pole before 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

Ray Smith, of City Parks and Recreation, said the sight was shocking.

“We’ve had several things taken out here, but never the flag. That’s a first,” he said. “It was kind of low, I think, especially on the Fourth of July.”

City workers said a spare flag is kept on the property and that flags are replaced and retired every few months to prevent tearing and weathering.