Thirty-somethings in rhinestones and heels sipped $10 cocktails as they maneuvered Straub Park Saturday during the fourth annual Chillounge. Amid live music, cigar-rolling, fashion shows, an outdoor cocktail bar and fireworks, rumors swirled that Occupy St. Pete might show up. And they did: About 15-20 people marched quietly down Beach Blvd., signs in hand, in a silent protest that targeted local mogul Bill Edwards.
Edwards has been much in the news of late. St. Pete City Council awarded him the contract to manage the Mahaffey Theatre, which re-opened with much hoopla on the same weekend as the Chillounge event. Edwards' recent purchase of the beleaguered Baywalk complex has also brought him new attention. But the protesters on Saturday were more interested in Edwards' Mortgage Investors Corporation, which deals in refinancing for veterans.
- Arielle Stevenson
- Occupy St. Petersburg marching against Bill Edwards at Chilllounge Saturday.
With "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" playing in the background, Occupy St. Pete members talked to partygoers and passersby on the sidewalks outside the event.
They handed out small flyers with this message:
This article appears in Nov 24-30, 2011.