The Capitol courtyard swarmed with firefighters this afternoon during a rally against the property tax cuts. Bob Carver, president of the Florida Professional Firefighters, warned the cuts could lead to higher insurance costs for homeowners and longer response times. "People will die as a result," he said as about 300 people looked on. "The fires will burn longer."

A number of Democratic lawmakers joined the protesters (Rep. Luis Garcia, a former Miami Beach fire chief, is at the podium) and at least one Republican, Rep. Ed Hooper of Clearwater, also a firefighter.

Afterward, the men and women took to the halls, stopping legislators and taking front row seats at House and Senate committee meetings. "Make sure you are seen," said Capt. Shayne Stewart of the Okaloosa Island Fire Department. "If we lose," he said, "then we really have to attack that constitutional amendment. That is the killer."

Carver said all the firefighters were off duty.