Civil Unrest Continues In Tampa Sunday; National Guard Activated

TAMPA, FL — As Tampa Mayor Jane Castor pleaded for peace, saying "physical violence and looting are not the answer," hundreds of protesters gathered in East Tampa Sunday afternoon to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis as well as violence against blacks at home.

Hoping to prevent a repeat of the looting and arson that occurred in Tampa Saturday night near the University Square Mall, Gov. Ron DeSantis activated about 100 members of the Florida National Guard, mobilizing at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Despite a citywide curfew from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting Sunday, an unruly group of protesters gathered near Memorial Park Cemetery on 22nd Street and then attempted to block the access to Interstate 75. Tampa Police in riot gear responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd.

"If you are a peaceful protester, I suggest you stay home because there are people who do not want to peacefully protest,” Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan said during a news conference Sunday afternoon. “They want to take over your voice, and they want to take over your words and that is not going to be tolerated."

Two protest rallies were planned in Tampa Sunday.

The student-led Justice for George Floyd Protest was scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, downtown Tampa.

Using social media, organizer Summer Felsen emphasized that the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park rally would remain peaceful.

“If you’re expecting violence or rioting, do not come," she said. "This will be peaceful. We cannot give the police a reason to get involved. Then it’s game over and they win.”

Co-organizer Alyssa Penna Alves Ackbar urged those joining the rally to disperse before the curfew went into effect at 7:30 p.m.

"Anyone still at the protest, Tampa Police officers said at curfew they are gonna start shooting rubber bullets and arresting people," she said. "Be safe and cautious.

Meanwhile, a rally organized by the Tampa Bay chapter of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, called the "I Can't Breathe" Justice for George Floyd Solidarity March, began at noon outside the Tampa Police District 3 Station, 3808 N. 22nd St., Tampa, and showed no signs of dispersing at the curfew approached.

Tampa Patch will keep readers updated.

See related stories:

• Tampa Declares Curfew; Mayor Called Rioting Heartbreaking To See
• Tampa Rally Turns Violent, Gas Station Torched, Stores Looted