GREENVILLE, N.C.

In a dramatic twist that’s igniting patriotic fervor and legal disputes, Camping World has found itself at the center of a fiery debate after the city of Greenville, North Carolina, imposed a $250 daily fine for flying a colossal American flag. This flag, towering above a 120-foot pole, is said to be 15 times larger than what local regulations permit for non-residential properties.

Initially, the fines began modestly last Wednesday at $50 and escalated to $100 before skyrocketing to $250 with each ongoing violation. As of last Friday, the company had accumulated a staggering $1,150 in fines, as reported by WITN.

Camping World first raised the controversial flag back in October 2022, and has faced scrutiny ever since. The City of Greenville mandates that flag poles can’t exceed heights of 70 feet, but that hasn't deterred the company, which is steadfastly flying its flag despite the repercussions.

Marcus Lemonis, the Lebanon-born CEO of Camping World, took to social media to address the situation, declaring, “The flag is not coming down. You can fine me all you want, City of Greenville, North Carolina.” His defiant post rapidly went viral, racking up over 1.5 million views.

In response to public outcry over the fines, the city council had initially rejected Camping World’s request to fly the flag, accusing them of knowing that their flag and pole were in violation of local regulations. However, there’s been a surprising turn of events. Mayor PJ Connelly recently announced that the city council has now voted unanimously to formulate an ordinance that would allow Camping World to display its grand flag without facing any further fines.

Lemonis expressed gratitude for the council's change of heart, tweeting, “Thank you @GreenvilleNC for your reconsideration. We are all grateful. #BestFlagEver.”

Interestingly, Camping World is not alone in this battle. The company has previously faced similar fines from cities such as Statesville and San Joaquin in California, where both municipalities later adjusted their zoning regulations after the company settled its fines.

Lemonis firmly believes that the display of large American flags at Camping World locations represents more than just a marketing stunt; he views it as a symbol of the company’s pride and commitment to American values. "It’s about how we feel about this country," he stated, underscoring the emotional weight that the flag holds for him and the company.

As this story unfolds, it’s clear that the saga of Camping World and its now-infamous flag will continue to capture the attention of both locals and patriots. Will the flag stay up, and what will it mean for local governance? Stay tuned for further developments!