Barricades at Baywalk Removed - Letter of Acknowledgment 8/30/05 Because of the strong and consistent voice of the people, the barricades at Baywalk have been removed.  The St. Petersburg City Council, the ACLU, and various media outlets, particularly WMNF and Robyn Blumner have made a significant difference.  A wide contingent of students and other young people have been at the forefront of what's been happening at Baywalk - their wisdom and strength have led to change. Many people have written letters to the Mayor, the City Council, and the St. Pete Times, and we've seen the difference that these letters have made. A large number of people have gotten the word out via the internet, whether via blogs or by submitting info to internet news websites. Numerous Tampa Bay community leaders and peace & justice groups have joined in solidarity.  The Aug. 9th press conference demonstrated that the city of St. Petersburg is a community filled with progressive minds and voices. Consistently large protests at Baywalk have made a difference, and having demonstrations filled with music, dancing, chanting, sign holding and discussion is very powerful.  And even in the face of harassment, we have, and will maintain a principled, non-violent position. It's only through the efforts of many that the barricades were exposed for what they were - the source of many problems.  Removal of the barricades is a positive development and it is a reminder that, even in the face of government and corporate repression, the people have the power. Unfortunately the struggle is not yet over.  Police harassment and intimidation of the protesters at Baywalk continued last Saturday evening.  People were ticketed for honking their car horns in support - one such person was handcuffed and taken away in a police car.  Another person was threatened by police with arrest for simply giving a business card to a passenger in one of the cars being ticketed.  Additionally, we were once again informed by the police that drumming and other music making would not be allowed.  One young activist was ordered to stop playing a traditional religious instrument or face citation. Not only are we being subjected to intimidation and harassment, the police are selectively enforcing laws.  One of our signs was torn into small pieces by a Baywalk patron, and even though the person admitted the action, police did nothing.  Another one of our signs was struck by a person who was yelling and threatening us, but the police simply told the person to leave.  And even though our music making was not allowed because of supposed noise concerns, Wet Willies bar was once again blaring music that could be heard throughout the public space surrounding Baywalk. So the struggle continues.  Fortunately, the ACLU has decided to take our case and will defend our free speech rights. Just as the barricades were removed, we are confident that the situation regarding the city and police harassment of our group will be resolved. Peace, St. Pete for Peace