"Stop the Machine" - Occupy Tampa Bay Protest Swells (Video)

Activist Post

Great reporting by Owen Myles first shed light on Tampa Bay for us here at Activist Post, and the video and press release below from the Tampa Bay General Assembly indicates that organizers and occupiers are committed to stay strong and stay non-violent. We encourage you to visit their site to learn more. And, by all means, if you are in the area drop by and join in!

Please read press release below

OCCUPY TAMPA MORE THAN QUADRUPLES SIZE IN FIVE DAYS

Tampa Bay General Assembly decides to postpone occupation

Tampa, FL (October 7, 2011) — Yesterday, Occupy Tampa had its largest crowd to date with roughly 2,000 in attendance over the course of the 12-hour “Stop the Machine!” event at Lykes Gaslight Park, which marked the 10-year anniversary of the Afghanistan War.

Approximately 600 marched through Tampa’s financial district in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street. Later in the day, hundreds more marched to the federal Courthouse to join St. Pete for Peace.

People of all ages, ethnicities, religions, political affiliations and socioeconomic statuses attended what was hailed as the largest social activist gathering in Florida since the beginning of the Iraq War.

There were zero arrests and no signs of hostility. Organizers were extremely pleased that everyone in attendance, including the press and police, understood that the Tampa Bay General Assembly remains peaceful. The event was the most organized and orderly to date and the largest “Occupy” event in the Southeast United States.

Though tents were erected to symbolize the desire to remain, the Tampa Bay General Assembly (TBGA) decided against occupying the park overnight. Instead, the assembly voted by consensus to return everyday and occupy during daylight hours. By delaying, the TBGA expresses its solidarity with law enforcers who are also part of the 99%. The group feels that the laws are unjust, but for now, it is important to show cooperation. Plus, those in attendance have more time to recruit fellow Floridians and swell the numbers for future events.

Today, the TBGA is gathering again to further organize workgroups, discuss the issues, and plan a tactical strategy for the coming weeks. Citizens are welcome to gather on Saturday, but the official weekend General Assembly will be held on Sunday at noon.

All are welcome. None will be turned away. Nonviolence is paramount.