Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

PALM BEACH — The saga continues between Donald Trump and the town of Palm Beach over the 375-square-foot American flag that waves above his Mar-a-Lago Club.

In chapter two this month, town landmarks commission Vice Chairman Lee Hanley called the flag a mockery and an affront to the town and the flag, suggesting that its size "looks like we have an Okeechobee car dealer."

In chapter three last week, the real estate mogul responded with a letter saying his 15-by-25-foot flag is identical to the one over the White House and that anyone who objects "should not, in my opinion, hold a public office of any kind - at least not in this country."

Trump added a postscript: "And I thought I was doing the town a favor!"

The story began with chapter one on Oct. 3, when Trump erected an 80-foot flagpole and hoisted the gargantuan Stars and Stripes, noting "obviously, permits are not necessary to put up an American flag."

In chapter four Friday, the town cited Trump for violating the zoning code with a flagpole taller than 42 feet, for not obtaining a building permit, for not getting permission from the landmarks board and for violating his club's pact with the town.

Trump has until Nov. 27 to apply for approvals or face a Dec. 21 code enforcement hearing that could result in $250-a-day fines. Mar-a-Lago officials have begun discussions with the town.

If Trump applies, the story moves to chapter five, in which the council discusses the issue in January.

The tale may spawn a sequel. The town has not cited the club for having a flag larger than the prescribed 4-by-6 feet.

"The town has reserved jurisdiction of that matter," the letter to Trump said.

To be continued.

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