TAMPA, Fla. — A resolution from the City of Tampa could be voted on Thursday, giving official support to protests against the Cuban government.

Demonstrations have been ongoing this week in Tampa and other Florida cities on the heels of the Cuban government cutting off internet access to Cubans on the island.  

Shortages of food and medicine in Cuba also persist.

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera is sponsoring the resolution, despite recent street protests in Tampa where demonstrators blocked major roads and in a small number of cases fought with police.

Councilman Viera says the resolution throws support behind peaceful protests, not criminal acts.

"Those who are taking to the streets in Tampa in rallies that undermine public safety, use common sense," Viera said.  "Don't go out into the streets, don't block traffic, don't break the law.  Don't put the lives of people at risk.  We are a city that supports peaceful protests, but we also support people following the law."

Protests remained mainly off main roads last night in Tampa, but that was after a call from city leaders for protestors to stop blocking traffic and ignoring police orders.

The call came after arrests in Tampa Tuesday night.

Three protestors were arrested and one State Trooper was injured after demonstrators blocked off two sections of Dale Mabry Highway during rush hour, then attempted to block the entrance ramp to I-275 at Dale Mabry.

Tampa demonstrations against the Cuban government are expected to continue.

Protestors also are demanding action from President Joe Biden.

The White House says it is still reviewing policies regarding Cuba, but it may eventually roll back some of President Donald Trump's restrictions.

A look at the City of Tampa resolution

Reso Cuba 2021 on Scribd