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==Community support==
[[Image:OldOperaHouseCrowd.jpg|thumb|right|Strikers and supporters gather for a rally at the [[Opera House]]]]For the duration of the strike, the striking workers received plentiful support from the community. Donations to the striking men from the community totaled at least $500. Numerous businesses, including the [[West Florida Steam Bakery]] and [[Paragon Meat Market]], offered the strikers and their families food, goods, and services free of charge. The [[Crescent Theatre]] held several benefit matinees of which proceeds went to the striking men. Many sympathizers showed up to union meetings and wrote letters to editors of local newspapers. Editorially, the local newspapers remained for the most part neutral, taking the side of the public interest, and urging both parties to meet and arbitrate their differences.
On April 11, a crowd of men and boys estimated to number between 200 and 300 followed and harassed Manager Leadley to the point that city police were required to disperse the crowd and escort Leadley to his office.<ref>“Leadley Followed By 300 Men and Boys on Palafox,” Pensacola Journal, April 12, 1908.</ref> Young boys were reported to throw stones at strikebreaker-run streetcars.<ref>“Settlement Fails, More Men Expected,” Pensacola Journal, April 17, 1908.</ref> On April 24, twenty-four City of Pensacola police officers – two thirds of the entire force – refused to board and protect streetcars which were being operated by strikebreakers.<ref>“Twenty-Four Policeman Refuse to Obey Orders,” Pensacola Journal, April 25, 1908.</ref> They were suspended and later fired.
