Occupy Tampa Shifts Gear

The Tampa Tribune ^ | Keith Morelli

[Iron Munro]

Occupy Tampa demonstrators may have been getting a bit too settled at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with their around-the-clock protest against corporate greed, war and politics.

During the past two days, a couple of canopies were set up there, and that tested the edgy relationship between demonstrators and police.

On Friday morning, police told protesters to take down canopies and tables and move coolers that blocked a portion of the sidewalk along Ashley Drive.

"That's like setting up a camp in a public park," said police spokeswoman Laura McElroy.

The demonstrators complied, grudgingly dismantling the canopies and folding up the tables. They stuffed the gear into cars, which drove off. In turn, they were allowed to remain on the site, free to voice their views.

There have been no arrests in Occupy Tampa's occupation of downtown, which has been going on for two weeks.

"We are the only city in the United States where there has been no confrontation or arrest of an Occupy protester," McElroy said. "If you're a peaceful protester, our job is to make sure you have a safe environment so your voices can be heard."

The relationship began on an amicable note a couple of weeks ago when 600 protesters swarmed into Lykes Gaslight Square, across from Tampa police headquarters. It was a peaceful crowd, so officers allowed them to cool off in the department's spacious lobby and use the restrooms.

Then a few days ago, police asked the demonstrators to move their protest to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where the sidewalk is wide and less likely to be blocked. The two sides continued to be chummy.

Friday's order to take down the canopies moved the relationship into a bickering mumble stage.

Joseph Jay, a 24-year-old student at Hillsborough Community College, said the order on Friday morning was an "intimidation tactic."

"They told us previously on the record that we were fine here as long as we did not block the sidewalk," Jay said of Tampa police. "Now they say we are violating a city code."

Social media such as Facebook and Twitter were blaring Friday morning that the Occupy Tampa protesters were being disbanded by police, but that was not the case.

The demonstrators continued to wave signs and hand out leaflets as police watched.

On Friday, workers were preparing the sloping riverfront park for today's Bluz & BBQ festival, at which thousands are expected to partake in food, refreshments and about 12 hours of music.

Bill Sharpe, president of the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce and organizer of the event, was there Friday making last minute arrangements. The protesters don't bother him one bit, he said. They are welcome to attend the event.

"They're young folks, students," Sharpe said. "I don't have a problem with them. I think some people have the wrong attitude."

Nodding toward the protesters, he said, "They are American citizens, too.

"We all have a right to voice our opinions."

[Iron Munro]

It's obvious that these demonstrations have someone with money organizing them and supplying the money to get them up and running and keep them going.

Look at the caption on the following photo.
Casual protesters don't just happen to show up with the equipment to set up a "makeshift kitchen, library and first-aid station".
What kind of publications and propaganda are available at the library?
Who is supplying them?

Occupy Tampa protesters say police told them early Friday to take down canopies and move
coolers at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The activists complied, breaking down a makeshift
kitchen, library and first-aid station and hauling off the gear.

[Donnafrflorida]

Living here in the sunshine state I would say don’t mess with rick Scott or Pam Bondi.
And lord help them if they move to Polk county. You think arpio is tough?
Don’t mess with Grady Judd.

[Darth Reardon]

NWS says lows may dip below 60 Thursday night. Can’t see this going on much longer.

What do we want?

FROSTBITE!

When do we want it?

THURSDAY NIGHT!

[peggybac]

[DJ MacWoW]

Are You A Whining FReeper?

Got A Gripe So You Won't Donate?

Click The Pic

Isn't That Like Setting Fire To Your Own Home?

When FR Is Gone, Where Will You Go Then?

[Nervous Tick]

It’s like camping out, minus the fun!

I must confess, I have had continuous fantasies about how I would deal with this crap if I were in charge, most of which involve either right wing death squads :-) or swinging steel pipes at mouths full of expensive orthodontics paid for by Mom and Dad, those unenlightened corporate citizens.

But — you know what? — just let it play out. These weenies don’t have it in them to persist at this nonsense for long. especially with winter coming on.

Let ‘em run back home to Mom and Dad’s basement with their tails between their legs. You know that day will come.

[dawn53]

Good for the Tampa police.

I have three friends who flew into NYC to catch a play and spend the weekend. They called today and were disgusted. The Occupiers were clogging Times Square and it was logistically impossible to get to any restaurants. They ended up eating at a Red Lobster, LOL...they could have stayed home and done that.

I just wondered why the NYPD was allowing the Occupiers to disrupt the business of NYC restaurants, etc.

[Darth Reardon]

One of these days, I’ll get off my butt and go join one of these protests to mock them. I’m thinking one of those orange “End Road Work” signs.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Because the NY politicians are backing the Occupy Wallstreet protestors. Rep. Nadler most certainly is a huge backer of this.

[VeniVidiVici]

One of these days, I’ll get off my butt and go join one of these protests to mock them. I’m thinking one of those orange “End Road Work” signs.

Your comment reminded me of this picture :-)

[Brad from Tennessee]

The population of Hillsborough County is about 1.2 million and 600 protesters are the 99 percent?

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

How about a sign that says “OCCUPY TAMPEX” with smaller letters under it saying, “Nine years of college and I still can’t spell correctly”?

Another sign: “Cuba is only 90 miles away. Enjoy the swim!”

[boatbums]

How about a sign that says “OCCUPY TAMPEX” with smaller letters under it saying, “Nine years of college and I still can’t spell correctly”?

Some radio jocks used to refer to people from Tampa as Tampons. ;o)

[empressword]

Who is supplying them?

Might be these ones, they did have an ad on Craigslist, Orlando, that is now “deleted by poster” probably advertising somewhere still, though....

http://www.workingamerica.org/about/jobs.cfm

Across the country, working families are under attack. Overzealous politicians blame middle-class public employees for their budget woes, corporate CEOs collect hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses while laying off workers and ripping communities apart, and Wall Street gambles with the retirement savings of workers everywhere. The only way to fight back is through strength in numbers-and with over 3 million members, Working America is on the front lines.

Working America is currently running field operations in the following states: OH, PA, FL, MN, ME, WI, MI, NM, CO, OR. With plans to expand significantly on the horizon, geographically flexible individuals are highly preferred. Relocation stipends are available. Field Manager salary starts at $32,782 per year and includes medical insurance, paid vacation and sick leave. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals are highly encouraged to apply.

[American Constitutionalist]

The occupy movement.

The power of words

ALL FOR NAUGHT !

AN EPIC FAILURE !

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Iron Munro.

[Baynative]

[RedMDer]

[Political Junkie Too]

Nodding toward the protesters, he said, "They are American citizens, too."

Is he sure about that?

-PJ

[nascarnation]

LMAO

great pic