Group plans tar-and-feather Walmart protest

A protest against a proposed Walmart is planned for Dec. 29 outside City Hall during the farmer’s market.

According to the facebook page of the recently-formed group Anti-SRQ Walmart Direct Action Planning Committee, the protest will feature a demonstration when a smiley face — a reference to a prior popular marketing icon used by Walmart —  will be covered in tar and feathers.

The protest is in opposition to a Walmart supercenter proposed for Ringling Boulevard just outside downtown.

A separate group of residents who live near the proposed supercenter submitted an appeal of the planning board’s Nov. 25 approval of the supercenter’s site plan. Residents who oppose the Walmart say they don’t feel that a large retail store fits in the residential neighborhood close to downtown. Opponents also argue the project is not allowed under the zoning code for the area.