In the recently concluded Tampa mayoral election campaign, the candidates were frequently asked about Cuba, and whether they would encourage relations with the communist island that are currently legally allowed. It's an item that several members of Tampa City Council have been pushing for several years now; Mayor-elect Bob Buckhorn frequently said that with his "limited time and limited political capital," it would not be a priority for him.
Now activists in Pinellas County say it's time for their community to make an offensive push to get some business deals done with Raul Castro's government, and on Tuesday afternoon an assortment of activists, including union officials, USF professors and students, and local Democrats will hold a rally at the intersection of US 19 and Enterprise Dr. in Clearwater from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m calling for such action. From their press release:
"There is no question Pinellas County would end up benefiting from opening fair trade with Cuba," said organizer Gordon Chernecky. "And at a time of unprecedented economic struggle, we need to look at ways to get people back to work. While this wouldn't be a fix all, it certainly is an easy way for us to move in the right direction."
This article appears in Mar 24-30, 2011.