Stand Up For First Amendment Event Features Live Music, Comedy in Tampa

Joe Ragukas organized a grassroots event in Tampa featuring live music, comedy, and guest speakers to support alternative press organizations and raise awareness about threats to rights and institutions. The event includes solo concerts by local musicians Marc Garnacias and Henry Locke, comedy from Amanda Hoffman, and speeches by Tampa City Councilwoman Lynn Hurtak and LGBTQ Democratic Caucus President Luis Salazar. Historian Manny Leto will discuss the history of the press in Tampa, highlighting the importance of a free and independent media. DJs from the Sunset Sundays collective will provide music between sets, further energizing the event. Proceeds from the gathering will benefit several alternative media organizations, including Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s Tampa Bay Journalism Project, local radio, and PBS affiliate WEDU. The gathering underscores the vital role of local journalism and freedom of expression in the community.