From TBO Online:
After hearing five hours of testimony Monday, the city council voted 3-2 against a proposed immigration ordinance that drew state and national attention.
As the vote was announced, hundreds listening inside and outside the community center erupted in cheers.
Mayor Tom Macklin’s proposed Illegal Immigration Relief Act – calling for English as the city of Avon Park’s official language, handing fines to businesses that hire illegal immigrants and to landlords who rent to them – had triggered a fiery debate.
The meeting that started at 6 p.m. went into the night as residents, advocates and strict immigration proponents took turns at the center’s podium. The building was specially outfitted with a metal detector for the event, which was moved from city hall.
The center was at capacity with 330 people. Others were left outside waiting. More than 400 protesters gathered at a median on Main Street outside the center.
Inside, speakers tried to get their message across in three minutes each.
A Marine wept during his testimony about legalizing his Mexican wife. The farming community harped on the impact if it lost its Hispanic workers.
"Americans don’t want to milk cows," dairy farmer Joe Wright told the city council about his stance against the new ordinance.
Now Illegals are the only ones that will milk cows?
