This just in from Southeast Music Alliance leader/Auditorium frontman/Creative Loafing staffer Joran Slane:
In 2006, Manatee County proposed the under-21 ban. We alerted the press, we showed up, we spoke our minds. But they stonewalled us and passed the ordinance anyway. Sarasota County immediately followed.
Now it's 2007, and the City of Seminole in Pinellas County is proposing an under-21 ban using the same flawed arguments about underage drinking and violence. But if Seminole allows this ordinance, what's next? St. Pete? Ybor City?
I don’t expect a lot of Tampa scenesters to care too much about anything beyond the New World/Crowbar Zip code, but if this comes to your neighborhood, you’ll care plenty. And St. Pete/Clearwater people should care the most. It is, after all, your county. So I’m going down there tonight with my nice shoes on, and I’m going to read a prepared statement for the allowed three minutes. It’s the best I can do. I’d love it if some of you joined me. It doesn’t matter if you speak. A showing of bodies is all you need to make an impression.
The hearing is tonight, the vote is next week. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. and Seminole City Hall is located at 9199 113th St N Seminole, FL 33772. Phone: 727-391-0204.
This is open to the public. Be there by 6 to fill out a form if you'd like to speak. And for more information, visit: http://www.smaflorida.com
