Help needed for flag pole project
One island woman has a vision of flying our nation’s banner at the island center and is seeking help. The badly bent flag pole which stands at the intersection of Pine Island and Stringfellow Roads was damaged during Hurricane Charley and since that time is has not flown the U.S. flag.
Lynda Newman began exploring the idea of straightening the pole and flying Old Glory once again. It was first believed that the metal pole could be heated and then, with the use of a bucket truck be straighten, but after closer inspection, Newman, along with others, decided that this would not be possible.
“The wall I have run into is that, after several discussions with a structural engineer and a couple of welders on the island, I’ve come to the conclusion that we can’t just heat the bent portion of the pole and straighten it,” Newman said. “The pole will have to be cut and raised and have it inserted into a sleeve which has to be welded around the pole for reinforcement. So, I’m trying to find a metal fabricator/arc welder who can do this in co-ordination with somebody in a bucket truck.”
Newman is asking that anyone with this ability who is willing to donate their time to do what needs to be done, to contact her at 410-1724.