From Sheets v. Lipker, decided Monday by Judge Kyle Dudek (M.D. Fla.):
This case is about words—specifically, a four-letter expletive that has vexed legal authorities and amused teenagers for generations. Plaintiff Andrew Sheets, proceeding pro se, alleges that Officer David Joseph Lipker violated his First Amendment rights by citing him for displaying signs bearing the word "Fuck" in a public place….
Because this case is before the Court on a motion to dismiss, we accept the factual allegations in the complaint as true. Back in 2021, Sheets stood on a public sidewalk in Punta Gorda. He was there to protest. To make his point, he displayed two flags: one reading "Fuck Trump" and the other "Fuck Biden." He also wore a shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Fuck Policing 4 Profit."
Officer David Joseph Lipker approached Sheets and issued him a citation for violating City Ordinance 26-11.5(z), which prohibited the public display of obscene signs. The citation was allegedly issued because of the language Sheets displayed, and Defendants do not contend otherwise. Lipker then ordered Sheets to leave the sidewalk. Sheets complied, packed up his flags, and left….
