Riots?

We have violence in the news again, After lawyers representing the family of police shooting victim, Tyron Lewis, wrapped up their case, a crowd gathered, threw rocks at cars and businesses on 34th street and fired shots at helicopters. According to SFGate:

About 100 police were sent to break up an unruly crowd that had gathered in the same neighborhood where riots broke out eight years ago after a black motorist who was killed by a police officer.

There has also been a series of protests staged at a downtown shopping district, protesting racial profiling on the part of the BayWalk proper owners.

STEVEN ISBITTS of the Tampa Tribune Has this to say:

Some in the community accuse the Uhurus of sparking Wednesday's violence, but most said the destruction was a result of poverty.

``Part of the Uhurus message makes sense, [and] peaceful and loud protesting is the only way to go to make a difference,'' said Darryl Walls, 41, a neighborhood resident with four children.

``I don't think their members caused this, but at least they are here speaking out.''

Omali Yeshitela, the Uhuru founder, said city officials are deluding themselves if they think a handful of agitators are responsible for Wednesday night's destruction.

Police and witnesses estimated up to 150 people were part of the violent crowd.

The St Petersburg Times quoted Mayor Rick Baker, saying;

"We are going to protect our community," Baker said. "We are going to be committed to making sure our police department treats people with respect in the community. But they are going to arrest people if they commit acts of criminal violence."

Gov. Jeb Bush phoned Baker to offer his support. "He has it under control," Bush said, describing Baker as "a person who has been reaching out consistently toward all segments of the city."

Baker has of course been reaching out to develop land. Mid town Is some of the best real estate in the city and it is populated by some of the poorest people in the county.