Crime & Safety

Your Voice: Should Occupy Tampa Go?

What do you think of the movement?

When organizers of the Occupy Tampa movement announced on the group’s Facebook page that an overnight protest would take place Dec. 1, people from all over the Bay area responded.

From Brandon and Valrico to Lutz, Temple Terrace and beyond, protestors turned out for the campout — for failing to leave Tampa’s Riverfront Park after police told them it was closed.

“Tonight, we liberate public space for protesters,” was the message written Dec. 1 on the Occupy Tampa Facebook page. “We have been planning this for a long time, and we need everyone to stand by us. We have proven to be peaceful and organized, even while our (constitutional) rights have been walked all over. Be a part of the history that changes the definition of ‘American freedom’ back to what it originally symbolized. We can, will, and already do make a much needed difference. Please be at Curtis Hixon by 7, and BRING YOUR TENTS!”

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The Occupy Tampa movement has been going strong since early October, pulling supporters from all over Tampa Bay.

As the local movement moves toward its two-month mark, we’d like to know what you think. Should Occupy Tampa be allowed to stay in Riverfront Park? Are the local Occupy protesters encouraging meaningful conversations about our economy and political leadership?

Find out what's happening in Bloomingdale-Riverviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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