Awake The State - 10,000 Floridians Protest!

[demwing]

An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 "Awake the State" demonstrators turned out in 30 cities across Florida on Tuesday to protest Gov. Rick Scott's budget plans.
Organizers Say Budget Protests Draw 10,000+ Statewide - Pro-union demonstrations swamp tea partiers in rallies across Florida

In Fort Lauderdale, more than 1,000 protesters virtually encircled the federal courthouse downtown -- swamping a smaller gathering of tea party activists who were rallying in support of Scott.

"We were inundated," said Danita Kilcullen, a leader of Tea Party Fort Lauderdale. Kilcullen said some of her group's signs were "snatched" when the "Awake the State" crowd spilled over.

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Damien Filer, spokesman for Progress Florida, which hosted the "Awake the State" website, estimated that the day's total turnout numbered 10,000 to 15,000 people -- including as many as 1,000 in Jacksonville.

"This whole things has been an experiment, and it turned out to be an inspiring one, given the stark reality of the numbers in the Legislature," Filer said.

http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/organizers-say-budget-protests-drew-10000-statewide

I hit the end of the rally in Clearwater, and snapped some pics of my favorite signs:


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[BuelahWitch]

1. I rec'd this and it's at 0? What the hell?

:wtf: Anyway, way to go, Floridians!

[leftstreet]

2. K&R

[Orlandodem]

3. We need more protests!!!

If you feel safe thank a police officer. If you know that the forrest fires in the dry season will be taken care of thank a fireman. If you can read this thank a teacher. Solidarity with all union brothers and sisters!!

[nashville_brook]

7. lots of FOP at the Orlando rally!! here's a link...

http://www.facebook.com/awakethestate/posts/194802187209298?notif_t=like

[rgbecker]

4. Great Pics.

[Kadie]

5. Excellent.

K&R

[Shagbark Hickory]

6. 1,000 people in jacksonville! That's really good!

Considering...

[KathieG]

8. Here are some pics from our rally in Ocala today...

Yes, I said Ocala! Who knew? :)

[demwing]

9. I love the "Don't Retreat! Reorganize" sign

and the pictures of the protesters. Young, old, make, female, and all races - unions are the real faces of America.

[nashville_brook]

15. holy crap...you go, Ocala!

[Mojorabbit]

16. Good crowd! nt

[DirkGently]

23. Wow. Go-Cala!

[Useless in FL]

10. We meed more people than this...

We are at ground zero. At this point we are just a fly on the wall.

[demwing]

14. Sometimes, the easiest way to accomplish bigger numbers

is just to show up.

Also:

1. Bring a friend.
2. Take pictures.
3. Show those photos to as many people as you can

Many people are reluctant to be the first to take a stand. But, as in a Union, there is strength and safety in numbers. Give people the security they need...

[Poboy]

11. Recommend!

[lovelyrita]

12. We had about 500 in Lakeland today.

Was really so great to see so many people come out.

[Pacifist Patriot]

19. 300-350 in Brevard

Wish I had pictures. Can't even get one from the local paper since all they did was print a picture of one guy from the handful of Tea Party folks across the street.

[demo dutch]

13. Time to move in to the State Capitol ....follow the lead of Wisconsin

[Generic Other]

17. great pics...Go Florida teachers!

From Madison to Tallahassee. Time to make sure the big mistakes your citizens elected to office don't cause any more damage.

[madfloridian]

18. So proud of our Florida teachers!

:applause:

[demwing]

20. Proud of all our Florida Unions, Public and Private!

It cant be easy in this state

[MoDupey]

21. Good!

I love to see this going on all over. Keep it going!

[DirkGently]

22. Excellent. Orlando's turnout was strong as well. Scott is every bit as dangerous as Walker.

[Enthusiast]

24. I hope the lesson of

not voting for a fucking filthy Republican is brought home to the people of Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin.

[lovelyrita]

25. Links to pictures of the rally in Polk County.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=1834555739266&id=1101624374&aid=105901

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=1834555739266&id=1101624374&aid=105901

Article in the local paper. I was lucky enough to get my picture in it. :)

http://www.theledger.com/article/20110308/NEWS/103085022/1338/news00?Title=Scott-Detractors-Rally-in-Downtown-Lakeland

[bertman]

26. SOLIDARITY!!! Rec. nt

[faubluewave]

27. Here's a statewide recap

http://thescottwatch.blogspot.com/2011/03/awake-state-draws-thousands.html

[AlienGirl]

28. ...Did you see the short girl with the big white parrot?