VENICE, FL - Anti-bailout and government spending protestors were showing up by the thousands across the country Wednesday.  The so-called "tea party protests" also happened here on the Suncoast.  Hundreds showed up in Sarasota and Venice to show their displeasure with how things are being run in Washington D.C.

They sung songs, flew flags and there were the signs.  Ban bailouts, stop picking my pocket, socialism, and spending, spending, spending.  They say their just tea'd off.  "I'm mad as hell about it," says Marlene Mullen.  Organizers estimated more than 600 rallied in downtown Venice Wednesday.  "My sign says shame on Congress for spending all the money.  They pass the hugest spending bill in who knows when and they didn't even read the darn thing."

"I was astounded."  Patricia Rule organized the event.  She says it was simply a grassroots effort to protest or rally against the trillions of dollars in spending and bailouts recently approved.  "I wanted it to be nonpartisan.  Let the people have an opportunity to express how they feel.  If they are Republican, Democrats, Independents.  It doesn't matter."

"It's not fiscal policy.  This is giveaway."  In a town that might have a grandparent or two, one message was heard loud and clear.  Those like Frank Patti.  "This seven trillion dollars will be handed down to my grandchildren.  We are going to pay for it right until my grandchildren's time."

Younger generations also displayed their displeasure, says Scott Johnson.  "It's not about age. It's not about race.  It's about the founding of this country and the morals that it was established on.  Everybody can get with that regardless of age or ethnicity."

More than 235 years after the original Boston tea party, those here are hoping some of the same messages are making their way across the fruited plains.  "The federal government, contrary to what Obama says, is not the only solution," says Sheryl Brand.

Speaking up, claiming no longer to be the silent majority.  "Our voices will be heard.  I think it's a groundswell that is going to be amazing," says Rule.