Profane, Political Holiday Lights Anger Sarasota Candidate's HOA

Sarasota FL

21 December, 2021

5:58 PM

Description

SARASOTA, FL — A U.S. House of Representatives candidate isn't afraid of making a profane political statement with his holiday light display this season, much to the ire of his homeowners' association, he said. Sarasota resident Martin Hyde, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan for his District 16 seat in 2022, decorated his Laurel Park home at 1655 Alderman Street with lights that read "Let's Go Brandon" above an American flag. The phrase, popular among conservatives, stands for "F--- Joe Biden." In a Facebook post, Hyde said that his "liberal neighbors were so 'triggered' by (his) Christmas lights that the HOA board (full of liberals) had the managing agent write to (him) to demand that (he) take them down." The candidate added, "Not only will I NOT take them down, but I think it is time to make a point that this is NOT California or some Leftist Blue State, but The Free State of Florida, within The United States of America." Hyde said he's planning a party to unveil his holiday lights display and "celebrate freedom" Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Related Stories: Political Pie? Sarasota Residents Devour Profane Joe Biden PizzaCandidate With Past Election Law Issues Challenges Vern BuchananLincoln Project Video On Masks, Vaccines Stars Sarasota Candidate The phrase "Let's go, Brandon" took off after an Oct. 2 incident at a NASCAR race in Alabama won by Brandon Brown, a driver who was being interviewed by an NBC Sports reporter. The crowd behind Brown was chanting something, and the reporter suggested it was saying "Let's go, Brandon" to cheer the driver. But it became increasingly clear to viewers that the crowd was saying, "F--- Joe Biden." Since then, the phrase has become known among conservatives as a euphemism for insulting President Biden. It's been uttered on the House floor by a Republican lawmaker and used frequently by Biden critics on social media and at protests to slam the Democratic president.