Scientologists clash with protesters - 1997-03-09
Scientologists clash with protesters March 9, 1997,
About 27 people were in front of the Church of Scientology's Fort Harrison Hotel on Saturday to protest what they called the church's abusive practices.
They had pickets. And they had a message.
They also had a problem: more than 200 church members who were in no mood to stand on the sidelines.
As the protesters raised signs for passers-by to see, Scientologists surrounded them, raising signs as well.
When the protesters broke away, church members scurried down the sidewalks after them.
Police cut short an attempt by church staffers to fill the sidewalk with soapy water.
{{cite news | first = Thomas C. | last = Tobin | title = Scientologists clash with protesters | url = http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/access/17005811.html?FMT=FT&dids=17005811:17005811&FMTS=ABS:FT | work = St. Petersburg Times | date = 1997-03-09 | accessdate = 2009-12-20 }}