The Florida chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference gathered in protest today outside Florida Governor Charlie Crist's office.

SCLC members along with hundreds of hotel, convenience store and small business owners were looking for answers on topics that are hitting their wallets hard.

One was the 200-400% increase in costs for Florida Department of Transportation signs.

Another: the increase in workers compensation tax that would have gone into effect in April 2010.

"It was a great success. Anytime you have a chance to communicate and communicate effectively, then you really understand the issues that people care about and can do something to help," says Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

"It's going in the right direction and we know he's going to resolve it because he told us he would," says Florida SCLC Chairman Art Rocker.

Crist says he wants to cap the sign fee at $1,200 and says nothing has been implemented on the workers compensation rate.

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SCLC Press Release 1-19-10

Coalition Succeeds in Protest at Florida State Capitol

Hundreds of business owners get swift answers and results

ATLANTA, GA, January 19, 2009 - The SCLC Florida State Chapter along with hundreds of hotel, convenient store, restaurant industry and other small business owners gathered in protest at the State Capitol Rotunda in Tallahassee, Florida this morning. The diverse coalition succeeded in obtaining answers and results from Florida Governor Crist. The group's major concerns were as follows:

· Huge increases of up to 200-400% on FDOT blue sign

· Drastic increase in the unemployment compensation tax in 2010

After inviting the over two hundred protesters into a private room to discuss the issues, Governor Crist agreed to reduce the fees for FDOT blue signs from five thousand dollars ($5000.00) originally established to twelve hundred dollars ($1200.00) He also stated the unemployment compensation tax increase was not yet implemented. Crist insured the concerned business owners he would address the issue and they would be happy with the results.

In the event, Governor Crist had not spoken with the group during today's rally and addressed their issues, SCLC Florida Chapter President, Dr. Art Rocker stated the group was prepared to demonstrate and march to the Governor's MLK Celebration. The celebration on the heels of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is schedule to be held this evening. Instead of protesting, the SCLC Members and the coalition of business owners will be attending the celebration upon a personal invitation from Governor Crist.