Hendry County delays cemetery ordinance after extensive debate on flags, lights and coping

Hendry County commissioners continued a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county cemetery ordinance on Oct. 28 after an extended staff and commissioner discussion over what items should be allowed inside and outside grave coping, how to enforce removal, and how to notify families before county action.

County staff presented a draft ordinance that lists prohibited items and limits on personal mementos, and includes language that currently allows county removal of certain items without notice. Commissioners and cemetery staff questioned whether the written examples in the ordinance would be either too restrictive or too specific to account for the variety of materials families place on graves. Commissioners directed staff to return with clarified language and supporting photos before final action.

Key outstanding issues identified by the board and staff included: whether to allow…