Group protests Tyrone Square Mall

Despite their efforts, the mall was packed with customers on Saturday. The mall's dress code is at the center of the controversy.

[Times photo: Lisa DeJong] Deidre Martin, left, and Delores Fletcher protest in front of Tyrone Square Mall on Saturday.

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 6, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- Nearly 20 protesters picketed Tyrone Square Mall on Saturday afternoon, their signs bearing slogans such as "Stop spending money where you're not respected."

But the mall was packed Saturday, partly because it was hot and rainy outside and partly because sales tax-free week was nearly over. Parking spaces were at a premium.

Despite that, protesters think they can make a difference.

"We didn't expect all these people to turn around once they got here," said Omali Yeshitela of the Coalition of African-American Leadership. "But we can definitely impact the attendance at this mall. The mall needs to come to its senses and change its policies."

The coalition will meet at 6 tonight at Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church, 3455 26th Ave. S, to plan strategy for future protests.

Tyrone Square Mall's dress code has been the subject of protest since 15-year-old Ephraim Sykes was kicked out of the mall July 15 for wearing a cap with its bill to the side. The mall prohibits clothing commonly recognized as gang-related.

The mall has since adjusted that rule; now, customers must wear more than one piece of clothing that might be identified with a gang before they're told to leave.

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