Orlando launches contest to design new city flag

Orlando is tired of waving the white flag.

More specifically, it’s tired of a blue-and-white flag that the City Council adopted in the 1980s that officials now say is too busy and not distinctive enough.

So, Mayor Buddy Dyer’s administration is launching a contest Wednesday, asking members of the public to submit designs for a new flag.

“Not a lot of people know what our city flag looks like,” said Dyer spokeswoman Casandra Lafser. “City flags help unite cities and communities and it’s a source of civil pride.

“We just feel like our flag may be lacking in that regard,” she added.

The city plans to accept submissions until March 22, after which a panel of arts, history and design experts will cull the 10 best banners for a public vote, online and at City Hall.

Contest details are available at cityoforlando.net/ flag

Entries must be submitted on a 3-by-5-inch card with the entrant’s name, email address, phone number, mailing address and an explanation of the design’s symbolism on the back.

Submissions can be turned in by mail or dropped off, either at City Hall or one of several other locations listed on the city’s website. Only hand-drawn designs are allowed.

The city is looking for designs that follow the principles of the North American Vexillological Association, which is dedicated to the field that studies the history and symbolism of flags. That organization prizes simplicity, favoring flags that feature meaningful symbolism and are distinctive, but use only two or three basic colors and no seals or lettering.

The current city flag features five colors and centers on an image of Lake Eola, flanked by nondescript buildings and trees.