Back the Blue rally draws a gathering of support to Sims Park

BY MICHELE MILLER

Showing support for local law enforcement was at the forefront of a gathering held Saturday in Sims Park.

“Back the Blue” was organized by Bill Lawless, a former Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, who retired in 2018 after some 31 years of service.

Lawless, who got the word out via social media, advocated for a peaceful event, and encouraged rally-goers to patronize local downtown businesses when the event was over.

PHOTOS | MICHELE MILLER

Back the Blue, held on what would have been the city’s annual Main Street Blast event, was attended by about 200 hundred people, and featured guest speakers, local notables and community members. A bevy of American and Thin Blue Line flags also dotted the picturesque park on the Pithlachascotee River.

Among those in attendance was New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe, who also met with attendees of the Juneteenth March for Change event held a week earlier. City manager Debbie Manns was there as well, and stood on the outskirts of the gathering with New Port Richey City police chief, Kim Bogart.

New Port Richey Police Chief Kim Bogart and City Manager Debbie Manns at the Back the Blue rally held on June 27 at Sims Park

Among the featured speakers was Sheila Griffin, who is running in the Republican primary against Democrat Charlie Crist in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, and former state representative and senator, Mike Fasano, who now serves as Pasco County Tax collector.

Sheila Griffin, who is running in the Republican primary against Democrat Charlie Crist in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, speaks at the Back the Blue rally held June 27 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey.

In attendance at Back the Blue was New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe, who also met with attendees of the Juneteenth March for Change event held a week earlier.