Group Rallies for Peace in Sun City Center

By Mitch Traphagen

SUN CITY CENTER - The picket signs came out on State Road 674 in Sun City Center on Feb. 21 to protest a possible war with Iraq.

"I really don't think that we have any business in Iraq right now," said resident Margaret Larson. "We have to find Osama [bin Laden] and the economy needs attention."

The demonstration during the lunch hours in normally quiet Sun City Center slowed traffic as a steady stream of motorists honked their horns in support, something that surprised even the demonstrators. "I'm glad, we've had a lot of honking here," said Larson. "The positive responses have far outnumbered the bad responses," said another demonstrator. "I'm really surprised."

Some of the demonstrators were military veterans and while they do not support a war with Iraq, they did make clear that they support the troops.

The demonstrators were from the newly formed Sun City Center Coalition for Peace, a group of 20 to 30 residents who plan to demonstrate every Friday during the lunch hours. Last week's demonstration occurred on S.R. 674 near King's Point.