Another Saturday, Another Occupy Sarasota Protest

The little movement that could, Occupy Wall Street, is still not going away. Today, Oct. 29, Occupy Sarasota at the Unconditional Surrender statue.

Starting at 10 a.m. hundreds are expected with signs that will line Sarasota’s bayfront.

One of those chanting and holding a sign will be Daniel Zumbro.

Like many who have joined Occupy, Zumbro said he has several reasons to take up the cause. The main reason, however, has been his relationship with his bank for the last four years.

As his mortgage went underwater, Zumbro said he went to his bank for help and received none. Zumbro said he sent emails, made calls and followed his bank’s protocol. Nothing seemed to work.

“Bottom line, there is no justice for the homeowner,” Zumbro said. That, he said, is why he’ll be standing up to Wall Street today.

“When I truly believe in something I take it and run with it,” Zumbro said. “I’m doing my best to show my support.”

With the focus unclear and the demands many, Occupy is still having a hard time getting its message out to the public.

At a Sarasota County Commission meeting on Thursday, commissioner Joe Barbetta said the Occupy message is a dangerous one.

They are, “appearing to chose not to want to be employed,” said Barbetta of the Occupy protesters. “They are basically talking about wealth redistribution and not wanting to work. That’s scary. That’s really scary.”

Occupy Sarasota on Oct. 6 at the corner of Main Street and Orange Avenue in front of the Bank of America Building.

Today’s protest is from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. At 11, there will be a general assembly for members of Occupy Sarasota to talk about goals and future plans.

“We are not politically affiliated,” Zumbro said.  “We are moderates, we are Democrats, we are Republicans and we are the 99 percent.”