The 16-year-old antiwar demonstrator stood in the road and refused to move, deputies say.
By Times Staff Writer
Published October 23, 2005
PALM HARBOR - A 16-year-old antiwar protester was arrested Saturday evening after sheriff's deputies said he stood in the road forcing cars to steer around him.
The teenager held a sign with an obscene reference to President Bush, but sheriff's spokeswoman Marianne Pasha said the arrest stemmed from the disruption to traffic and the teen's refusal to move.
Deputies arrived at U.S. 19 and Curlew Road about 4 p.m. after a motorist called to complain about the sign. "The complainant had to steer around (the teenager)," Pasha said.
She said the protester cursed at deputies when asked to move but went without incident when they escorted him away.
One witness faulted the deputies' response. "It was like they came down to shut the protest down and censor them," said Elaine Skelton, 47, of Palm Harbor.
The demonstration was organized by St. Pete For Peace, whose normal base is BayWalk in downtown St. Petersburg.
Because of his age, the teenager's name was not released.
He was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct, breach of the peace and unlawful use of a state transportation facility - that is, the road. He was taken to the juvenile detention center, then released to his parents.
Last week, Pasha said, the teen was given a notice to appear by St. Petersburg police after he allegedly impeded traffic.
