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TAMPA, Fla. — In the days after the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd at the hands of then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, protests and civil unrest was sparked across the country.

Some turned violent, including in Tampa where stores, shops and restaurants were damaged, looted and at least one building set on fire in the University area.

• Beyond The Cut: HB1, the "Anti-Riot" law

In the months that followed, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republican lawmakers began work on an "anti-riot" bill.

"The Combating Violence, Disorder, and Looting and Law Enforcement Act," became the response to the small number of protests across Florida last year that did turn violent.

On the latest episode of our To The Point Already podcast, Spectrum Bay News 9's Rick Elmhorst and Roy DeJesus talk with State Sen. Danny Burgess and Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren about the bill, which was signed into law in April.

But was it needed?

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida's controversial "anti-riot bill" into law on Monday, April 19. (Spectrum News image)

"If you riot, if you loot, if you harm others, particularly if you harm a law enforcement officer during one of these violent assemblies, you're going to jail," said DeSantis. "We're going to hold you accountable."

But is it that simple and is it a good or bad law?

"Let's be honest about the fact the bill wasn't needed," Warren said. "And that it (will) have zero impact on the riots we saw.''

Burgess, who sponsored the bill, said it is as important for peaceful protesters as well as to detract rioters.

Several businesses were looted during a protest near the University Square Mall in Tampa in the days after George Floyd's death. (Tim Wronka/Spectrum Bay News 9)

"I believe what took place not just in Tampa but Miami and Jacksonville and all across the nation detracts and takes away from and drowns out the noble message of those who are protesting, seeking to right a wrong," Burgess said.

"This bill seeks to end that. That way, those who are exercising their constitutional rights can continue to do so peacefully and those who seek to thwart that are going to be brought to justice."

ABOUT THE SHOW

Spectrum Bay News 9 Anchor Rick Elmhorst sits down with the people that represent you, the people fighting for change and the people with fascinating stories to ask the hard questions.

To The Point Already will cover people, politics and issues from a Tampa Bay perspective every Wednesday.