Carnell Hawthorne Jr.
Suwannee Democrat
Live Oak — Nearly 200 protesters showed up at the doorsteps of Third Circuit State Attorney Skip Jarvis' office Thursday morning in Live Oak.
Fueled by the recent firing of assistant state attorney KrisAnne Hall of Live Oak, protesters across party lines arrived, some in favor of Jarvis, others, Hall. Most disputed what they perceived as an infringement on First Amendment rights, while others said Hall's firing was simply a private matter between an employer and his employee.
Television stations and reporters from across the north Florida, and others from as far as Jacksonville, arrived on scene to mark what is rapidly becoming a major controversy.
Chris Hall, husband of KrisAnne Hall, told the crowd, "If it can happen here in this small little town, then it can happen anywhere. I believe Jarvis is on the wrong side of history," he said.
KrisAnne Hall, in her own defense, said she wouldn't object to her job being restored, but more so, would like to see people inspired to become involved.
"What you are doing here today is such a beautiful display of our First Amendment," said Hall.
Hall was fired May 24 after refusing to stop speaking at political gatherings.
Jarvis, who was scheduled for court, did not make an appearance at the protest.
However, participants had plenty to say.
Jon Reiskind, Democratic chair of Alachua County, who stood in favor of Jarvis, said, "I'm out here for someone who is representing state justice."
Gayle Kennington of Live Oak, who favored Hall, said, "We still have First Amendment rights."
Gail Dolly, of McAlpin, objected to Kennington's support of Hall. "But we also have an obligation to comply with Florida Statute 110.22-1, at our superior's request," she said. "I worked as a legal secretary for 32 years," she said, "and am well-informed on the laws there."
Several protestors toted donation buckets with KrisAnne Hall's name on the side, like Neil Rice who was with the Taylor County Tea Party. She said, "I'm doing it to help her out, I mean she gave up a job to stand up for Americans across this country, for the Constitution. It's sad. People have gotten too far away from that now."
Taylor county is one of seven that comprise the Third Judicial Circuit.
Jeremy Tannehill of Live Oak, who attended the protest with wife Monica, said, "After seeing what happened, and knowing that if my boss didn't like what I said, that (Jarvis) has the total legal right to hire and fire. I feel that sure the court gives you the freedom of speech to keep from going to jail, but not keep your job."
Elaine Garcia, on the other hand, said, "I think it's a very unfair firing. I think it needs to be reviewed. A person that teaches the constitution shouldn't be offensive to anyone."
American flags waved high throughout the crowd from some of the oldest members to even the youngest as motorists passed by honking their horns and earning a thrill from the crowd.
John Knapp, of Branford, said, "I'm out here for the right to free speech. If free speech starts crumbling like this then who's to say where it goes. I heard KrisAnne speak April 15, and she said nothing related to a party affiliation. What better employee to have than one that goes around talking and making sense of the Constitution. This kind of thing should not have happened in the country. If we don't stand up for free speech, then it will go away."
Graham White, of Lake City, said, "I think it's self explanatory that Mr. Jarvis has overstepped his bounds. Clearly it's politically motivated like much of the things we are seeing come down from the White House that have trickled down. I hate to see injustice regardless -- Democrat, Republican whatever.
The protest, which began at 11 a.m. lasted for more than two hours and ended without uproar.
The Suwannee Democrat recently reported that Hall has filed a complaint with the federal court in Jacksonville, and she and attorney Gary Edinger of Gainesville are working to amend the complaint to sue for retaliatory conduct, to have her job reinstated and for back wages. The matter, which has moved far beyond the local level, awaits its day in court.
Jeff Waters contributed reporting to this story.
