ST. PETERSBURG - With city council approval, working this year's St. Pete Pride festival might be a little easier for St. Petersburg police.

Last year, officers had to stand between a handful of religious protesters and thousands of people attending the gay pride event.

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But this year, the messages carried by big signs and bullhorns might be confined to a free speech zone.

Pride organizers will have to set aside an area for the exercise of free speech. Violators will be warned, then be given citations or be arrested.