Want pets? Take it to board

My heart is heavy with doubt, but I am full of hope. Have there been any updates or changes to laws regarding rules about no pets? I live in a 55-and-older community where many residents, and the manager, go ballistic at the mention of the word pet. Our condominium rules prohibit pets in any unit or on any portion of the property. Pretty cut and dried. I equate people who do not like pets with those who never use their fireplace for fear it gets dirty. Has a change to this law ever been discussed?

B.S., Stuart

I doubt the state will ever change the laws to permit pets in all buildings. Some buildings are not equipped for pets, or they do not have lawns or space to walk pets. Yes, I know that cats do not need to be walked, but you do need to dispose of the waste.

In order to change the laws, you need to contact your local state representative or state senator and explain your need. You can find your Florida elected officials at www.flsenate.gov and www.myfloridahouse.gov. But your best chance is to change the condominium's rules first. You do this by talking to your neighbors and asking them to sign a letter requesting the board to develop a rule change to the documents to be voted on at the next annual meeting.

Our association is experiencing a problem with the raising of the Canadian flag with our American flag. At a recent board meeting, a director asked about raising both flags; then a vote was taken and the policy approved. This is now causing a lot of concern among owners. Is it OK to display both flags together? What are the rules?

Name withheld, St. Petersburg

Over the past few years, I have noted that many of our citizens are not well-educated on flag etiquette. They do not understand certain duties and rights. Something is really missing with many of our children and young adults, and now I should add our seniors. Flag etiquette is not a law, but there are established correct ways to display our country's flag. When flown with the national banner of other countries, each flag must be displayed from a separate pole of the same height. Each flag should be the same size. They should be raised and lowered simultaneously. For other policies, go to www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html.