From the Uhurus and peaceniks to homeless advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union, activists across St. Pete are challenging the city's newest ordinances that prohibit certain activities around Tropicana Field during the World Series and on medians throughout the city.
The median ordinance, which prevents anyone from standing on a median, was passed two weeks ago after city councilmembers expressed concern over the safety of newspaper hawkers and charity groups. But in past discussions of the subject this year, panhandlers were the real catalyst.
Then, last week, city councilmembers passed an emergency ordinance (that did not require the normal two public hearings) to create a "clean zone" around Tropicana Field and downtown St. Pete. This "clean zone" would prohibit commercial vendors from operating around the stadium, but some activists contend it could apply to them as well.
Today, the Uhurus held a press conference condemning the two ordinances and announcing their intention to commit civil disobedience before tomorrow's World Series game.
This article appears in Oct 15-21, 2008.