Meanwhile, Down In Tampa
Squirt guns are out, but apparently real guns are A-OK. That’s the word coming from Tampa’s security prep for the Republican National Convention, where the city council this week gave preliminary approval to new rules that would create a so-called Event Zone, a modified version of a so-called Clean Zone that was originally under consideration.
First, the squirt gun/real gun dichotomy because, well, squirt guns out, real guns in – priceless. This from CBS News:
On Tuesday, Florida’s Republican governor, Rick Scott, turned down an appeal from Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to allow the city to ban guns during the convention. Florida’s gun laws, which are more lenient than in most states, allow citizens to carry concealed weapons.
“Like you, I share the concern that ‘violent anti-government protests or other civil unrest’ can pose ‘dangers’ and the ‘threat of substantial injury or harm to Florida residents visitors to the state,'” Scott wrote. “But it is unclear how disarming citizens would better protect them from the dangers and threats posed by those who would flout the law. It is at just such times that the constitutional right to self defense is most precious and must be protected from government overreach.”
Guns will still not be allowed inside the convention hall or in the area directly around it, but would be allowed in the protest (or “event”) zone and elsewhere in the city.
The decision has prompted mockery from critics, who have pointed out that the city has banned water guns in the protest zone – but not the real thing. (Also reportedly banned: Masks, pipe, and string, rope or chains longer than six feet.)
As for Tampa’s Event Zone, it seems similar in many respects to Charlotte’s extraordinary event zones, except there appears to be a clear sunset clause that terminates when the RNC circus leaves town.
Tampa’s rules also seem to be drawing similar reactions as the Queen City’s new ordinances: critics contend the rules are trampling free speech; proponents say the restrictions are essential for security and police will use the utmost discretion and wisdom in enforcing them. This from the Tampa Bay Times:
Assistant police Chief John Bennett said police take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and that goes for their work at the convention, too.
“Our job is to protect free speech, and it’s our job to make free speech available to everybody,” he said.
While the temporary ordinance puts new rules into place for the convention, Bennett said officers would exercise discretion in deciding whether to make an arrest.
“Just because the letter of the law is broken doesn’t mean there’s going to be an arrest,” he said. “The sanity check’s going to be put on top of everything.”
As approved, the city will create a designated protest area — open to everyone, no permit necessary, 24 hours a day — within sight and earshot of the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
It will establish an official parade route.
And it will ban many weapons in an Event Zone that includes downtown north to Interstate 275 and Interstate 4, plus Ybor City and an area across the Hillsborough River that includes the University of Tampa.
On Thursday, the council also approved putting the northern part of Harbour Island back in the zone.
Inside the Event Zone, groups of 50 or more can apply for an all-day permit for parks. Originally, the city proposed a 60-minute time limit for those assemblies. Similarly, the time limit for marches on the parade route has grown from 60 to 90 minutes.
Further, officials clarified that a proposed citywide ban on many weapons or things that could be used as weapons would apply only to public property, not to homes or businesses. And such items would be prohibited when they were carried with the intent to hurt someone or do damage.
No word on whether law-abiding citizens can walk their dogs through an Event Zone without fear of arrest. Maybe only if they’re packing heat, I don’t know.
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