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Businesses near Sen. Rubio’s Palm Beach Gardens office frustrated by protesters


Since the election, several protests have been erupting outside of lawmakers’ offices across the country on political issues, ranging from health care to immigration reform. (WPEC)
Since the election, several protests have been erupting outside of lawmakers’ offices across the country on political issues, ranging from health care to immigration reform. (WPEC)
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Since the election, several protests have been erupting outside of lawmakers’ offices across the country on political issues, ranging from health care to immigration reform.

In some cases, the protests have become too disruptive.

Senator Marco Rubio got booted from his Tampa office, because weekly vocal crowds of demonstrators became too much of a burden for other tenants.

And there’s been no shortage of protests at Sen. Rubio’s office in Palm Beach Gardens. Tenants there are also starting to get frustrated.

“A little bit of consideration and understanding that businesses are trying to survive,” Avi Sekero said.

Avi Sekero owner of Prosecco Café has been in business in Palm beach Gardens for seven years. He is frustrated with all of the recent protest that have been happening right outside his café.

“It has gone from being very seldom, to becoming almost every single week,” Sekero said.

He says demonstrators come with little warning and take up the parking in front of and behind his business, deterring his customers from coming in to eat.

“Their agenda is to come and protest. You have about 50 people, each coming in their own vehicle. That’s 50 spots when you’re getting busy for lunch,” Sekero said.

The most recent demonstration happened Wednesday, as groups rallied in opposition to the senate’s health care plan, hoping to gain Sen. Rubio’s attention.

Protesters ended up blocking some of his patio space, because Sen. Rubio’s office is above his restaurant.

He hopes protesters who want to be heard will also hear him out.

“I am for freedom of speech, that is not the problem. What is happening, without consideration is they like to be heard right during lunch break usually,” Sekero said.

He says some protest groups have tried to be considerate, while others have not. He says it would help immensely if protesters parked on the side of the plaza, not in front.

Other businesses in the area say they’ve also had problems with when protesters are here. One business even put cones out around parking, to reserve spaces just for customers.

We contacted the owner(s) of the plaza, and they say they’ve received some complaints, but have had no serious problems. At this point, they plan to take no action.

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