Monday, April 23, 2012
Local rocker Ronny Elliott sends a message
Posted by Julie Garisto on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 5:58 PM
The ordinance establishes rules for public protest over the course of the RNC when it comes to Downtown Tampa in August. Facing widespread outrage, City Council decided to postpone its decision on the Clean Zone, rescheduling discussion for May 3.
Ahead of Council’s vote, Elliott, a longtime Tampa resident who lives across the street from Mayor
- Samantha Bowden
- The banner is strung directly across from Bob Buckhorn's home on Davis Islands.
Buckhorn, is sending his neighbor a message regarding protesters’ rights to free speech, especially during massive political gatherings like the RNC. Elliott hung a large banner in his yard that the mayor should have no problem seeing. The banner reads:
HEY MAYOR, SUPPORT FREE SPEECH!
WELCOME PEACEFUL PROTESTERS TO TAMPA! NO CLEAN ZONE!
#99%voter
Elliott is a longtime Tampa-based folk musician. He said he decided to hang up the banner after hearing about the “Clean Zone” debate taking place at City Hall. He said he feels the city should welcome people who come to Downtown Tampa to peacefully practice their First Amendment right in the same manner the city welcomes the Republican Party.
"This is what democracy is all about," Elliott said.
The banner is strung directly across from Bob Buckhorn's home on Davis Islands at 179 Baltic Circle.
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