The crowds were thin in St. Petersburg on Monday for the twice-daily scheduled marches through downtown streets.
At 2 p.m., just a handful of protesters gathered to chant and walk. This comes after large crowds gathered on both sides of Tampa Bay over the weekend for several scheduled events.
One protester in St. Pete described it as “just a bad case of the Mondays.”
About 20 people gathered in the early afternoon to march through downtown, into the nearby shaded Historic Roser Park, and back to the usual meeting spot at City Hall. One protester told a Tampa Bay Times reporter that as more businesses open under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ orders related to the coronavirus pandemic, it could be more difficult for people to participate in protests scheduled during the day.
“There may not be many of us but we’re going to make some noise,” chanted Terron Gland, an event organizer with the St. Pete Peace Protest as the group headed down 5th Avenue N toward Central Avenue.
Despite the smaller numbers, the mood was light, like friends doing a march they’ve done together before. A woman at the front of the group was roller blading and blowing bubbles.
On a darker note, the group added a name to the list of ones they usually chant: Rayshard Brooks, the man shot in Atlanta on Friday by police.
Darrius Hardmon, 32, of Tampa said Monday was his third march. He said even small protests are important.
“Being out here every day as people have been doing around the world reminds people of what’s happening. And people are still dying,” he said, referencing Rayshard Brooks.
Madison Brantley, 19, is a regular protester with the St. Pete group. Her voice has gotten so hoarse from chanting that she answered a reporter’s questions by writing it down in their notepad.
She wrote: “Even if there aren’t a lot of people, it’s important (to march) not just for the ones that are here but the ones that aren’t who couldn’t make it. We should march for them, we want and need justice!”
At 7 p.m., around 50 people gathered at City Hall for a second round of marching.
The group took a familiar path down Beach Drive and into the Old Northeast neighborhood before walking by the Vinoy and the waterfront on their way back to City Hall.
Lynn Smith, 50, of St. Pete said former Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, or maybe Elon Musk, are the most inspiring people in America right now.
“Someone who thinks outside the societal boundaries,” she said. “They’re like, ‘If you don’t like my business, I’m going to take it somewhere else and get the money.’”
In Tampa, a scheduled sit-in downtown drew no crowds Monday. More events are scheduled through the week.
• • •
Coverage of local and national protests from the Tampa Bay Times
HOW TO SUPPORT: Whether you’re protesting or staying inside, here are ways to educate yourself and support black-owned businesses.
WHAT PROTESTERS WANT: Protesters explain what changes would make them feel like the movement is successful.
WHAT ARE NON-LETHAL AND LESS-LETHAL WEAPONS? A guide to what’s used in local and national protests.
WHAT ARE ARRESTED PROTESTERS CHARGED WITH? About half the charges filed have included unlawful assembly.
CAN YOU BE FIRED FOR PROTESTING? In Florida, you can. Learn more.
HEADING TO A PROTEST? How to protect eyes from teargas, pepper spray and rubber bullets.
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Crowds dwindle on Monday, but protesters still march - Tampa Bay Times
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