Confederate flag advocate Bart Siegel found dead

TEMPLE TERRACE — Bart Siegel, an outspoken advocate for the display of the giant Confederate flag near the intersection of Interstate 4 and I-75, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot in his Temple Terrace home Thursday.

Siegel, 50, was a Republican accountant who penned long letters to newspapers and verbally sparred with columnists.

In 2000, he announced his desire to "stir things up" by running against then-Hillsborough Clerk of the Circuit Court Richard Ake, a Democrat unopposed since 1986. Siegel lost, but kept stirring things up.

In the face of a protest, Siegel professed his love for the sport of gator hunting. He defended his boating club, the Tampa Cruis-a-Cade, amid a city lawsuit, and he often spoke out at Temple Terrace city meetings. Most recently, he became one of the loudest voices defending the Confederate flag.

He was born in New Jersey and raised Jewish, but married Lunelle Mizell, a fifth-generation Floridian with Confederate ancestors. He became fascinated with all things Southern, and about 10 years ago, became an associate member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He lacked the lineage, said fellow member Marion Lambert. "But he had the heart and soul of a Confederate."

Siegel steadfastly maintained that the flag wasn't a racist symbol, but one of pride.

A few years ago, Siegel converted to Messianic Judaism, and attended Fowler Avenue Baptist Church. He called Lambert the day before he died, asking if he would go to church with him. Lambert couldn't make it.

The Hillsborough County medical examiner preliminarily ruled Siegel's death a suicide.

Comments on this article

by Dov	Aug 14, 2008 4:41 PM
Like most people I am against racism; against anyone, not just black people. However, I am very strongly in favor of free speech. The Confederate flag, when displayed, is an example of free speech.

by Marie	Aug 14, 2008 3:24 PM
If Bart would have put as much effort into dedicating himself to truthful Bible and Godly standards, maybe he would not have taken his life. He was so busy "stirring" up trouble as he admits. Those who love God don't stir contention with others.

by art	Aug 14, 2008 8:59 AM
i bet all of the investigators including the M E were eather yankees or fnon white.everybody should buy a confiderate flag and fly it at half staf.

by MSS

Aug 14, 2008 8:57 AM

For those of you who only knew Bart through the controversy of these issues, I understand how you could perhaps get the wrong idea or have a negative opinion. Bart had a knack of surrounding himself with controversy (which drove me and many others crazy), but he was a good man that (I myself witnessed) helped hundreds of individuals in his lifetime. In all his quirky, argumentative, challenging ways, he fought for the underdog, the wronged, the persecuted and/or the voters, not to cause problems but to insure that their rights were being upheld. Although I myself was not a fan of most of his ?causes?, I am a fan of his bravery and a huge fan of his character. In my opinion, there are not many individuals in this world that I would consider in his league in that regard. For the sake of mankind and the line waiting at the gate, let's hope St. Peter agreed with some of his causes or he could be in for a long fight ? Thank you for the memories my friend

by ls	Aug 12, 2008 1:21 PM
You are right Rick. He and others like him who support Southern Heritage are some of the most kind hearted people I know and I am a yankee girl also. Bart would have given the shirt off his back. Why are people so willing to jump to conclusions!!!!!

by Rick	Aug 12, 2008 10:22 AM
I knew Bart since about '95. I knew him as passionate about politics and his causes, and as a friend with a genuine good heart. I didn't always agree with him, but always found him a supportive friend. He was certainly no bigot. He had a good heart.

by just wondering	Aug 11, 2008 4:27 PM
I sure hope the Temple Terrace Police did a through investigation. Bart was not the type to have taken his own life. There are just way too many inconsistencies here. Patti, you are right: Bart only wanted to please those that were close to him. RIP

by ls	Aug 11, 2008 3:10 PM
I I I - it is always about you and how you are hurt by flying the freaking flag - He hurt more people by taking his own life - people that meant something to him - than all you bleeding hearts out there that are offended by a piece of cloth!

by Mike	Aug 11, 2008 2:58 PM
Bart I went to your memorial service in tampa. It was very nice and everyone had something good to say. About 300 people showed up. Everthing went fine till the pastor put his foot in his mouth concerning another pastor that was there.

by fj	Aug 11, 2008 12:09 PM
for those of you you have "Suspicions" I think the coroner would know what he's talking about, put your stupid little conspiracy theories to rest! and face it...the man obviosly had Demons!

by someone you hurt!	Aug 11, 2008 12:08 PM
Bart, Rest In Peace!! May your next life be Much longer, and Filled with less hate than this one was!! When your life flashed before your eyes I hope you saw how many people you hurt by flying that "Hate Inspired" Flag! You reap what you sow!!

by Bob	Aug 11, 2008 12:08 PM
Here come the conspiracy nuts! Can't a suicide just be a suicide? Do you have to see vast conspiracies hiding behind everything?

by Frank	Aug 11, 2008 8:27 AM
Strange - a left-handed man supposedly shoots himelf with his right hand. People do not do full-face shots on themselves. Where and what is the police department doing? Seems like the police are doing nothing.There are too many unanswered questions.

by Brant	Aug 11, 2008 8:27 AM
Education doesn't shield someone from the vagaries of severe depression. Indeed, it affects the highly intelligent as much as anybody.

by Patti	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
Bart was a dear childhood friend that was lead astray to fit in a world that perhaps he didn't fit into. He always wanted to please the people closest to him. Anyone that knew Bart knows he would not take his own life. Suspicious as well.

by Art	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
Rest in peace, Bart. May God give strength and comfort to those he left behind, especially Lunelle.

by Scott	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
Bart was my friend, a good honest man, and a true son of the South. I will miss him.

by Irish Mike	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
I bet he would have wished he used his time better. Very sad.

by Pete	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
What relevance does the fact he was a Republican serve? I guess Democratic accountants add up things differently?

by a mom	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
so sorry for your loss. you wonder why such a loveable,happy person would do that? why didnt he talk to someone about his problems,nothin should lower a person to do that. God Bless him, and please anyone with thoughts of suicide... GET HELP OR TALK

by Martin	Aug 11, 2008 8:26 AM
Our condolences to the family. Bart will be missed. I don't believe it was a suicide at all.

by Veep	Aug 11, 2008 8:25 AM
The hand of God takes another bigot. Hate, bigotry and hateful symbols have no place in society any more.

by Jeffro	Aug 11, 2008 8:25 AM
Bart was a great person who would never back down from a debate. He is my Confederate, Masonic, Christian, and life brother. I will miss him so much.

by bonnie	Aug 11, 2008 8:25 AM
I never met the man,but I question his death. Why would he give 'bullets' to his critics/enemies to shoot him with. this act is fodder for his enemies to state that he was unstable because only unstable people commit suicide.suicide is a major sin.

by Deborah	Aug 11, 2008 8:25 AM
I've known Bart since he was a little boy in NJ. When we moved here from HI, Bart was the 1st one to offer us help. He was a generous, kind hearted, loving man and will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Lunelle. RIP BART

by Jim	Aug 9, 2008 11:31 PM
Bart Was A good Friend he was Mason and my Brother He will be surely missed Soft and Safe to thee My Brother

by John	Aug 9, 2008 9:37 PM
Bart was a great friend to all who knew him. He was passionate about trying to make his community a better place. He was on an anti-depressant drug that may have contributed to his death. Be aware yif ou or someone you know takes them

by Suspicious	Aug 9, 2008 9:37 PM
This is too weird, those of us who knew Bart knew he would not committ suicide. Something is wrong with this picture. Unfortunately,Temple Terrace police(famously incapable of conducting basic investigations)will never figure out what really happened

by Jeff	Aug 9, 2008 9:36 PM
Bart was a childhood friend and will be missed

by Mike	Aug 9, 2008 9:36 PM
I just wondered what would make a well educated man like Bart to do a deed such as suicide? So many unanswered questions.

by tim	Aug 9, 2008 9:35 PM
This Confederate flag guy was a Jewish man from New Jersey who loved 'gator hunting? Oi vey, I'm laughing too hard!

by csason	Aug 9, 2008 9:35 PM
Regards and condolences to the family... Deo Vindice

by BillyBearden	Aug 9, 2008 9:35 PM
The South has lost a true gentlemen, my thoughts and prayers go out to you, Lunelle.

by HK	Aug 9, 2008 9:35 PM
Ms.Lunelle and Bart Siegler are two of the kindest and most gracious of God's creatures and I am sure that God will welcome Bart into his loving arms. Bart shall be missed dearly by his Southern family.

by Mike	Aug 9, 2008 9:35 PM
I knew Bart personally and he proved that an open mind and alternative educating can make a believer out of most anyone.He adopted the Southern point of view and was not ashamed of it. He will be missed.