TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Supporters of the Dream Defenders are rallying outside the Capitol as they continue the 12th day of their "sit-in."
The Dream Defenders are spending a second weekend inside of the Capitol, but without food.
A representative from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement tells us no one is allowed to go into the building during the weekend or after 5 pm on a weekday, that includes food delivery.
Leaders from the group say they are down to barely any food and will not make it through the weekend.
FDLE says 105 participants stayed overnight Friday. The costs of security in the building continue to rise. At last check FDLE says the total is nearly $170,000 dollars including nearly $60,000 in overtime for officers.
Group members say they have no intentions of leaving until Governor Rick Scott calls a special session, though the governor says he will not. The group is also gathering support from lawmakers. They say the need at least 60-percent of lawmakers to call on a special session.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released the following statement this evening:
NEWS RELEASE
Statement regarding Capitol protests
For Immediate Release
July 27, 2013
"When the protest began at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Capitol Police made clear three rules for participants of the protest. Those rules have not changed and have been in place throughout the protest including last weekend.
Rules for protestors when the Capitol is closed:
1. After regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m.) those who are in the Capitol to protest can remain. Protestors can leave at anytime, however Capitol Police will not open the doors for anyone until the Capitol opens for business.
2. Protesters must remain peaceful.
3. Protestors must remain within the designated areas on the Plaza level of the Capitol.
This afternoon, FDLE began receiving hundreds of phone calls from protest supporters claiming that Capitol Police members were denying them food. Protestors are free to leave to get food, however based on the rules, they cannot return until Monday morning. Capitol Police rules have not changed and have not deviated during the duration of the protest and these rules were explained to protest organizers before the protest began."
