Getting arrested in Tampa Bay has never been easier. First, you need to become a member of an alternative media outlet. Then, get yourself assigned to cover a protest outside an eye-poppingly high-priced fundraiser for a flailing GOP presidential contender; one that's got a line of men in various uniforms outside the front entrance. Try to buy batteries at the gift shop in the swank resort where said event is being held.
Chances are, you'll get a warning at first. A police officer will take down your information. The officer and security personnel will tell you that if you so much set foot on a blade of grass belonging to the swank resort, they'll haul you in for trespassing.
Chances are, as GOP contenders shower their affections on the I-4 corridor in the lead-up to Florida's Republican primary (and, of course, next August's Republican National Convention), opportunities for press and other interested parties to get arrested will abound.
The handful of protesters outside a large resort in St. Pete Beach clearly weren't interested in jail.
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 2, 2011.
