Orlando’s East Side Tea Party plans to lobby movie goers about their 2nd amendment rights on Friday and Saturday.
By Jacob Engels
East Orlando Post has learned from a source close to the East Side Tea Party, that the group plans to work the crowds during the opening night and Saturday night showings of the new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” film. The effort will take place at the Regal Cinemas in Waterford Lakes, one of Orlando’s busiest and largest theaters – featuring a Darth Vader-esque figure.
Regal Entertainment Group announced late this summer that they would be searching bags and purses for “safety purposes” following several theater based mass shootings over the past three years, which gained scorn from conservative and 2nd amendment advocates. The Waterford Lakes Town Center property where the cinema is located is mananged by Simon Property Group.
The move was discussed at their meeting on Monday, the 15th of December. Our source says they have scheduled shifts on Friday night from 6pm on, and on Saturday from 4pm until close.
“They will hand out these leaflets and attempt to educate Orlando residents about their 2nd amendment rights until they are forcibly removed. Leadership felt it was the right time considering the Paris and San Bernandino shootings, to make sure people are prepared to defend themselves and others,” the source explained late Monday night.
East Side Tea Party is run by husband-wife duo Peter and Kelli McNair Lee, both also active members of the Orange County Republican Party – with Peter serving as the party’s webmaster. The couple have also been heavily involved in anti-common core and Agenda 21 efforts, while Peter serves in an official capacity as a coordinator for a socially conservative outfit called Florida Family Action.
The leaflet, which can be seen below, is sure to excite political tensions on both sides of the aisle. Conservatives will see it as a needed promotional effort, while liberals will chastise the Tea Party group about gun violence. The Connected Communities of Central Florida group that appears on the handout is not a registered political committee with the state, and does not have an online footprint.
Use The Force – Tea Party Gun Leaflet
Whichever side you fall on, please stay safe during this premiere weekend!
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
