Homeowners post pro-police signs in yards after two cops are murdered. But HOA is having none of it.

Dozens of homeowners in a Florida neighborhood posted "Back the Blue" pro-police signs in their front yards following the murders of two local officers — but the homeowners association is demanding that the signs come down.

What's the deal?

• Homeowners in the St. Cloud neighborhood said the signs went up in support of police and to express condolences after Kissimmee Officers Richard (Sam) Howard and Matthew Baxter were fatally shot in the line of duty in August, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Slain Kissimmee officers Richard (Sam) Howard (left) and Matthew Baxter (Image source: WOFL-TV video screenshot)

• But the Stevens Plantation Residential Owner's Association sent letters to residents saying the signs aren't in compliance with the community’s governing documents and have to come down, WOFL-TV reported.

Image source: WOFL-TV video screenshot

How are the affected homeowners responding?

• “We support the blue; we back them, so we like to show that,” Bryan Burgess told the station. “We’re showing support for our local law enforcement. Two have lost their lives in the line of duty. I don’t think there’s an issue with it.”

Image source: WOFL-TV video screenshot

• The Van Kirks down the street have a law enforcement history in their family and heartily agree with Burgess.
• "It's just about being supportive of those that put their live on the line every day to protect me and my family," Janet Van Kirk told WOFL.

Image source: WOFL-TV video screenshot

• “It’s frustrating," Burgess added to the station. "It’s not uglying up the house. I mean, it’s just a sign."
• “It's just disappointment because it's not like it's hurting anybody," Van Kirk noted to WOFL. "I just want to show my support, that's all. I just want to say thank you."

Image source: WOFL-TV video screenshot

• Burgess said his sign will stay up until he's had a chance to talk to the HOA, the station said, while others said they'll place the signs in their windows.

Image source: WOFL-TV video screenshot

Has the HOA reacted to the controversy?

• WOFL said the HOA didn't return its calls for comment.
• The station noted that the letter to homeowners mentioned that "the primary purpose of a community association is to maintain and increase the value of each owner’s property, it is not the desire of the board of directors to impose hardship.”

(H/T: Blue Lives Matter)