The Tampa Bay Times is doing its best to give the rest of us a feel for this week’s festivities surrounding the RNC:
TAMPA — Police patrolled on horseback, bicycle and foot. An ice sculpture formed the words “Middle Class.” Some folks were dressed in suits depicting a female body part. Dogs described as Democrats by their owners sniffed suspiciously at reporters.
Protest Nation descended Sunday on Tampa and gave free speech a vigorous workout.
The city survived.
The first significant day of protests for the Republican National Convention produced few serious problems under threatening skies and the watchful gaze of hundreds of law enforcement officers….
About 175 people organized by employee-rights advocates protested Monday afternoon outside the Bloomin’ Brands corporate headquarters on N West Shore Boulevard.
Among their demands: a significant pay boost for workers whose companies are overseen by Bain Capital.
They waved signs proclaiming “Don’t let Bain Capital destroy the middle class” and chanted slogans that included, “How many millions do you need? We’ve got hungry mouths to feed!”
Bloomin’ Brands runs Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill and other restaurant chains. It is controlled by Bain Capital, the private equity firm once run by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney….
TAMPA — Police encircled a group of protesters about midnight Monday at an Ybor City intersection, prodding them to return to Centennial Park where the demonstration began.
More than 100 people gathered for a protest dance party at the park on E Eighth Avenue, but then began to march through Ybor City.
Officers, dressed in khaki and some riding police bicycles, followed…
Police appeared to be encouraging the group to return to the park, but some of the protesters were suggesting they would go to a nightclub instead.
And, especially for DougJ:
It was the ultimate clash of high and low brow. Randall, the voice behind the smash-hit YouTube video/Internet meme about the Honey Badger who doesn’t give a you-know-what, and New York Times columnist David Brooks.
The men almost passed each other by Monday evening on Ybor City’s E Eighth Avenue without recognizing the other — until a Tampa Bay Times reporter asked if they knew each other.
“No,” Brooks said. “But he does.” The columnist pointed to his 13-year-old son, Aaron…
Then Randall invited Brooks to attend his 7 p.m. Tuesday press conference at the Roosevelt 2.0 at 1812 N 15th St. Randall will be announcing the Honey Badger party’s official entry into the 2012 presidential campaign. (See www.honeybadger2012.com.)
“Honey Badger 2012,” Brooks said. “Okay. I’ve heard of this.”…