In the last few weeks, Pasco County’s Black Lives Matter marches have seen increased attention from the media (and police, who’ve issued amplified sound citations). However, photos and video show peaceful protests—officials with New Port Richey Police Department told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay there’s been zero property damage—and demonstrators are being met with pro-police groups as well as hate groups like the Proud Boys.
Last week saw more direct threats of violence. In response, on Wednesday, New Port Richey Police Department’s Deputy Chief Lauren Letona told CL that NPR PD "does not condone acts of violence and take threats very seriously."
NPR PD Chief Kim Bogart even told WFTS that his officers cited a counterprotester for covering his license tag and turned a video—which Bogart says showed a counterprotester displaying a gun—over to the State Attorney’s Office.
Still, Pasco BLM marched (silently, so no citations) on Saturday, and was met with new allies, but also more signs of our country’s racist past (hello, Confederate flags). —Ray Roa
