OCALA, Fla. — A man fighting to keep the Confederate flag flying at Marion County's government complex said he's received death threats for organizing a pride ride Sunday.
The 17-mile ride will take place in Ocala and at least 900 people have agreed to participate.
Organizers said when the Confederate flag was taken that they put the rally together. Even though it's back, they said they plan to hit the road to celebrate their heritage.
"The flag is a symbol of my heritage," organizer David Stone said.
Stone spoke out about the flag being removed earlier this week and told commissioners about his plan to hold a rally.
"I have organized a peaceful motor ride, parade through Marion County," Stone said. "This will get national attention and I'm getting calls all day long."
Stone created a Facebook page for the event and said close to 1,000 people are planning to attend.
The event will start at 1 p.m. at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.
So far, Stone has paid $1,100 in fees and has obtained the required $1 million insurance policy.
Officials said Stone has paid for eight police officers to provide a rolling escort.
However, some residents are not happy with Stone's actions.
"We're trying to move forward. Doing this type of stuff is not moving forward," Mitch Jamerson said.
Jamerson protested the flag going back up outside the Marion County complex and said it's sad an event like this is happening.
"It's 2015 now and to see this, and it will bring back bad memories, especially to black folks," Jamerson said.
Stone declined to talk directly to Channel 9 because he said he's received death threats.
WFTV
