In five months the Republican National Convention will begin in Tampa, and today Mayor Bob Buckhorn announced his proposal for a new, temporary ordinance during the convention that will streamline the process for groups requesting a permit to protest during the event.
The ordinance calls for a "Clean Zone" to be bordered by Rome Avenue on the West, Columbus Drive to the North, East 22nd Street on the East (which is where the entertainment portion of Ybor City ends) and then along Channelside Drive to the water in the South.
Most importantly for groups that want to hold a protest, a permit will be required for any gathering of more than 50 people held inside the Clean Zone. The permits will be for one hour only, but the permit fee will be reduced to $50.
However, an exemption will be made for people who are classified as indigent, which includes somebody receiving food stamps, is on Medicaid or Florida Kid Care. The applicant must be over 18 to apply for a permit.
The same rules apply for a person who wants to be able to hold a protest rally through the city's designated parade route (which is yet to be determined).
This article appears in Mar 29 – Apr 4, 2012.