I’m getting email from people outraged that the city of Cape Coral, Florida, has canceled a “tea party” protest, because (they say) the government fears too many attendees.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - A tea party to protest government spending and taxing is canceled. Canceled by the government.

Why? They feel too many people could show-up.

Lynn Rosko planned to hold a tax payer tea party at Jaycee Park in Cape Coral on April 1st. The idea was announced at a Cape Coral City Council meeting, then an e-mail blast by the Republican Party and it was mentioned in the local media.

With all of that attention, the City of Cape Coral felt there could be more than 500 people attending the tea party.

But please, folks. Get a grip. The government is not trying to shut down the protest. They just wanted the organizers to take out a permit and insurance because the rally was going to be larger than originally planned.

Therefore Rosko needed to get a permit and insurance for the event. Rosko says she’s not willing to get insurance and accept liability for something that a stranger could do. Rosko told WINK News, “I have rescinded any organizing or supervision or what ever you want to call it over this tea party on April 1st.”

WINK News spoke to the director of parks for Cape Coral. He says that even now if Rosko is willing to get insurance for the event he’ll likely re-authorize it.

To me, this looks like the city government is being perfectly reasonable and responsible.

UPDATE at 3/29/09 2:43:53 pm:

Note that Cape Coral’s Special Event Permit Process very clearly states that events with more than 500 attendees must have permits and insurance. (Hat tip: Gus 802.)

The City of Cape Coral requires that all organizers who wish to conduct a special event for more than 500 people apply for a special event permit. Each permit is reviewed by all pertinent departments within the city, and serves as a tool to assist the event organizer in producing a safe, well planned event.

Event Insurance for events on city property is required.

The Insurance Accord Form needs to have these specifics:

1) Name of the event
2) Location of the event
3) Time and date of the event
4) Name the City of Cape Coral additional insured

Share these details with your insurance provider

Events Not on city property don’t require event insurance, but it is recommended.