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Tony Daniel to Tampa City Council: “I’m going to leave out of here in handcuffs”

Tampa gadfly Tony Daniel told Tampa City Council members Thursday that a move to amend rules on public comment during council meetings wouldn't work. The rule is slated to take effect next month.
 
Published March 9, 2018

Tony Daniel has a long history at Tampa City Hall of provocative, controversial speech.

Earlier this month, council members moved to amend their rules to place some restrictions on vulgar, threatening speech. Daniel wasn't the target, they said.

On Thursday, Daniel came to the council chambers as they met as the Community Redvelopment Agency and spoke during public comment.

Referencing the Tampa Bay Times story, which he said he learned of because someone called him ("normally I don't read those rags"), Daniel said attempts to rein in his behavior had been tried —and failed–before.

After hurling a litany of insults at members, who listened without comment, Daniel made a vow: "I'm going to leave out of here in handcuffs if you think you can handcuff my speech."

The amended rules are scheduled to take effect next month.