Tea Party governor welcomed by supporters

As Historic City News reporters met the man referred to by many around the state as “the Tea Party governor” a delegation from the Town Crier Committee of the St. Augustine Tea Party greeted the Governor and thanked him for his efforts to reduce the size and cost of Florida’s government.

“Hi, my name’s Rick,” said Governor Scott; looking relaxed and “at home” as he introduced himself to the now familiar faces of Yvonne Heikkinen, David Heimbold, Cindy Falco and Lance Thate.

“I like the hat,” Scott quipped as he headed into Flagler College’s Markland House for a luncheon with economic development executives; referring to the distinctive three-cornered hats being worn as part of the period-specific costumes.

The Town Crier Committee has been making regular appearances in St Augustine offering visitors and townsfolk alike their greatest treasure; free copies of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

When asked about public reaction to the Gadsden flag-toting characters distributing literature, Historic City News was told, “Over 400 copies of the Constitution were distributed free of charge to an eager public.” According to Thate, after participating in the last First Friday Art Walk, “At a time when the Tea Party has been the target of the mainstream press, the Town Criers continue to receive the good wishes of the folks in St. Augustine”.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer