Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

The American Indian Movement of Florida (Florida AIM) is reviewing options and may take legal, criminal complaints, and direct action against city commissioners of the City of North Port in Sarasota County who made racist, anti-Indian remarks during a commission meeting three weeks ago.

In 1995 AIM Florida lead mass protests in North Port against the annexation of Warm Mineral Springs which threatened an Indigenous cemetery located within and in the area surrounding the springs. With the help of local residents the annexation was defeated.

Three weeks ago, however, the commissioners renamed the area Golden Springs and annexed it without properly advertising for public comment. As a result no AIM or traditional Seminole representatives were present to object. It was purported that at this meeting remarks were made such as, "I guess they aren't here with their tomahawks" and "we won't be getting scalped" and the like.

Florida AIM State Executive Director Sheridan Murphy, Traditional Seminole Bobby C Billie, and AIM Florida member Harold Locke, representing himself, spoke publically challenging the city on the annexation demanding the burials be protected.

Bobby Billie called for the city to respect their God and respect life by not destroying the area and respect Indigenous peoples by not digging up the mounds.

Sheridan Murphy warned the commisioners that "If you want this annexation to put North Port on the map you better leave the cemeteries alone or we will take North Port off the map".

Murphy further stated, "If you made the statements they say you made you better pray to your God, because we are coming for you and we will destroy your political life in every way possible."

Transcripts of the City Council meeting later confirmed that the racist statements had been made. AIM Florida will also be reviewing audio tapes made of the meeting and will then take action.

See: Transcript From Commission Meeting North Port, Florida Commission "Verbatim conversation from the North Port City Commission meeting of September 25, 2000."