The decision to keep a Confederate flag at a Marion County government facility is sparking rallies this weekend, for and against the flag.

Vincent Paul Mitchell watched the flag fly in front of Marion County’s Fallen Officer Memorial Friday.

In his hands is this week’s agenda from the County Commission meeting. Although the Confederate Flag issue wasn’t on the agenda, Commissioners ended up voting to restore it after a handful of people complained about it being taken down in the wake of the shootings in South Carolina.

RELATED

“Most people felt good and they felt pleased," said Mitchell. "They didn’t call to say so but they were shocked when they found out these guys were overruled.”

So now Mitchell has written a letter to commissioners asking the flag be removed again, a sentiment shared by those planning a protest Saturday at the government complex where the flag is flying.

“I think it’s understanding what it does to other people, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, how would we like it if it was the other way around?" said Teddy Laury, who will also be at the protest.

The flag, which is actually a national flag of the Confederate States of America, is part of a display of five "Nations" flags, each one that flew over Florida at some point in the history of the state. The flags of Spain, France and Great Britain also fly in the, along with the U.S. flag.

We’ve heard no plans for extra security Saturday, but up to 700 people who plan to ride through town with their Confederate flags on their vehicles Sunday have hired eight police officers for their protection.

Fisherman Captain Tim Cochrane has the rebel flag on each of his boats.

“I’m a Florida boy and to me it’s nothing but about heritage and it’s really sad to see all this going on because one idiot caused this to go on,” Cochrane said.

“They can say it’s about pride," Mitchell said. "What they are overlooking is it represents in the minds of those who see it the same old style of intimidation. And we aren’t going to be intimidated.”

Southern Pride Ride organizers said their event is meant to be nothing but peaceful.

The Confederate Flag Protest will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Marion County’s McPherson Government Complex.

The Southern Pride Ride starts at one Sunday afternoon at the Southeastern Livestock Pavillion.