State estimates price tag of dream defenders

FDLE Commissioner Gerald M. Bailey informed Historic City News as to the estimated costs and incident reports associated with the ongoing Capitol protests by demonstrators being called the “dream defenders”.

Governor Rick Scott met privately with representatives of the small group that have been occupying the Capitol Building. They want Scott to call a special session of the legislature and recall Florida’s “Stand your Ground” law, following the George Zimmerman acquittal by a Central Florida jury.

The estimated added security costs to the State of Florida, according to Commissioner Bailey, have totaled $97,970.88. The incidents that have involved Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers have been minor.

Daily Incident Reports:

Tuesday, July 16 – The Dream Defender group conducted a protest in the Governor’s reception area of the Capitol building.

Wednesday, July 17 – The Dream Defender group is continuing its protest.

Thursday, July 18 – The Dream Defender group is continuing its protest. Officers escorted a protestor out of the building after normal business hours when he was found in the restricted lower level of the Capitol.

Officers found two males without shirts and a female in a bra and shorts, sleeping in the Chapel. Everyone was instructed to get completely dressed and was informed that the Chapel was for worship — not sleeping.

Friday, July 19 – The Dream Defender group is continuing its protest. Representative Williams’ aide brought several protesters in through an unsecured lobby door before 5:00 p.m. without going through the magnetometers.

An officer caught someone trying to enter with a falsified access card. That individual was reported to her current Capitol building employer.

Saturday, July 20 – The Dream Defender group is continuing its protest. An individual found sleeping on an air mattress was asked to have someone come pick it up since we are not allowing air mattresses, because in an emergency, they block access to hallways and exits. Representative Williams is providing food to the group on the plaza level through Sunday.

Sunday, July 21 – The Dream Defender group is continuing its protest. Dream Defenders held a church service on the plaza level. Representative Williams delivered food. Approximately twelve participants demonstrated overnight.

Monday, July 22 – The Dream Defender group is continuing its protest. Senate staff reported protestors were blocking halls, doors and elevators on the third floor. About thirty-four participants demonstrated overnight. A demonstrator inflating an air mattress was asked to deflate it.