Carolyn Risher, mayor of the tiny town of Inglis, Florida (population: 1,290), has posted an unwelcome sign at the four entrances to the town. The mayoral ban (rolled up and put into hollow posts by the roadways) applies to only one person: Satan. "Be it known from this day forward that Satan, ruler of darkness, giver of evil, destroyer of what is good and just, is not now, nor ever again will be, a part of this town of Inglis," she wrote in an official declaration on Halloween. "As blood-bought children of God, we exercise our authority over the devil in Jesus' name." The demon of discord, however, is apparently alive and well. The town's lawyer is preparing for a lawsuit over the declaration.

The St. Petersburg Times has posted the full text of Mayor Risher's proclamation.

Other coverage includes:

Inglis: Mayor acted alone in Satan ban — St. Petersburg Times (Jan. 29, 2002)

Florida town casts out Satan — CNN (Jan. 29, 2002)

Satan's 'exile' bedevils ACLU — Knight Ridder Newspapers (Jan. 28, 2002)

Editorial: Misguided crusade is no longer amusing — St. Petersburg Times (Jan. 26, 2002)

ACLU action lands Satan on Inglis meeting agenda — St. Petersburg Times (Jan. 26, 2002)

Satan banning mayor a hot item — St. Petersburg Times (Dec. 8, 2001)

Mayor bans Satan from Inglis — St. Petersburg Times (Nov. 29, 2001)

Previous Christianity Today coverage includes:

Weblog: Who Has the Authority to Ban Satan?Mayor didn't act as mayor in banning Satan from town. (Jan. 30, 2002)

Weblog: While You're Waiting for Jesus, How About a Nice Cola?Plus: Carolyn Risher, mayor of Inglis, Florida, has a solution for fighting Satan in her community. (Dec. 3, 2001)