Thousands Support Police At Tampa Back The Blue Rally

TAMPA, FL — There were a few tense moments Saturday when a "Back the Blue Rally" to support law enforcement collided with a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Tampa but, for the most part, Tampa Police said the rallies were peaceful.

The Back the Blue Rally kicked off at 11 a.m. at the Tampa Police Department's District 1 station at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd. and met up with the Black Lives Matter rally at the intersection of Dale Mabry Highway where some demonstrators tried outshouting one another but police said there were no physical clashes.

The Black Lives Matter Anti-Police Brutality March, which was canceled last Saturday due to rain, began at 3 p.m. at Fred Ball Park, 2621 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, and continued into the night.

When the two groups met up, Tampa Police were forced to close off the roads due to the size of the crowds.

Among those participating in the rally on behalf of law enforcement was Maria Greskowiak.

"It was incredible — the energy, support and positivity," Greskowiak said.

More rallies are planned Sunday:

• Black Lives Matter is planning a peaceful rally Sunday at 7 p.m. at Coachman Park in Clearwater followed by a candlelight vigil for victims of police brutality.
• The Tampa Bay Community Action Committee is organizing a March to Drop the Charges: #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd rally Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at 419 N. Pierce St., Tampa.