AVON PARK — The city whose council considered and then rejected a city bill that would have made English its official language will host a state convention Saturday for an activist group known for protesting against illegal immigration, and sometimes illegal immigrants. The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps will gather at the Jacaranda Hotel for what its state director Bill Landes called a "training session." "It's not an open meeting," he said. He estimated 15 to 20 Minutemen members from throughout the state to attend the convention, including Chris Simcox, the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps' cofounder. The convention begins at 1 p.m. He expected a few protesters might show up but hoped the members wouldn't be too uncomfortable. ...more

June 17, 2008