Local events supporting racial equality and against police brutality began on Saturday morning with a “Love Walk” starting from Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park and included a “Back the Blue” rally in support of local police in New Port Richey.
Update 1 p.m.
An LGBTQ+ Black Lives Matter Solidarity March wound through St. Pete midday on Saturday and just wrapped up. About 100 people marched from Straub Park downtown to Tropicana Field and back.
Update 11:05 a.m.
About 200 people joined a “Back the Blue” rally in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. They flew American flags and pro-police “thin blue line” flags.
Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano spoke briefly to say that his commission supports police and makes sure officers have the equipment they need to stay safe. He said these are dangerous times, and the turnout he saw today is critical to “Back the Blue.”
Kathryn Tsionkanaras, 57, of New Port Richey said she understands that black lives matter, but said she says “all lives matter” to support officers and everyone who has struggled through the coronavirus pandemic.
“We just need to be united,” she said.
Tampa “Love Walk”
At the 10 a.m. “Love Walk,” professional wrestler Thaddeus Bullard, known to fans as Titus O’Neil, and actor Dave Bautista led a march in Tampa that was joined by dozens. Among the marchers was Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
The walk was set to end at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, where the group planned to unveil a new mural created by a local artist.
As the group crossed the Fortune Taylor Bridge, Bullard pointed skyward and said, “There’s a drone right there.” The crowd cheered and later posed for a group photo with fists raised, shouting, “Black lives matter.”
Castor briefly addressed the crowd in Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. She spoke of making lasting change and told people not to let the energy die out. Bullard called her a friend.
As people began to disperse, Stephanie Espinosa shouted through a megaphone that Castor was there only for a photo op. She criticized what she called the celebrity aspect of the protest.
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Coverage of local and national protests from the Tampa Bay Times
HOW TO SUPPORT: Whether you’re protesting or staying inside, here are ways to educate yourself and support black-owned businesses.
WHAT PROTESTERS WANT: Protesters explain what changes would make them feel like the movement is successful.
WHAT ARE NON-LETHAL AND LESS-LETHAL WEAPONS? A guide to what’s used in local and national protests.
WHAT ARE ARRESTED PROTESTERS CHARGED WITH? About half the charges filed have included unlawful assembly.
CAN YOU BE FIRED FOR PROTESTING? In Florida, you can. Learn more.
HEADING TO A PROTEST? How to protect eyes from teargas, pepper spray and rubber bullets.
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