Rev. Al Sharpton is threatening economic sanctions on the area if George Zimmerman isn't arrested. It has many in downtown Sanford concerned - even minority business owners.
Evelyn Clayton says her restaurant is her heart and soul. She's concerned about business being affected if Sharpton encourages people to boycott the area unless an arrest is made.
"I hope it doesn't come to that, because we have been through the hard times coming to Sanford, but now we're looking forward," Clayton said.
Clayton opened her place in downtown Sanford 13 years ago, "I love it and I want to see Sanford progress forward not look back. Justice yes, but no violence and we just want to be able to go to sleep and say I thank God the right thing happened."
"They don't want to support a town that's supposedly a racist town and we're not that. We're so anything but that. This is just one of the best towns you can possibly live in."
Ken Martin owns Sanford Wine Company, a block away from Evelyn's restaurant. He wonders what Rev. Sharpton is trying to prove.
"Punishing me for something and the rest of downtown for something? No," said Martin. "We don't do that to you, why do that to us?"
Clayton worries about the affects on business. "It's very important," she said. "My employees are single parents and they need the jobs. I need my employees. I need my work. I need the finance to keep the business going."
She urges everyone to have patience.
"I know things take one day at a time," said Clayton. "Let's work forward in Sanford and not look back because I see the growth and potential that Sanford has. And I'm excited to be here and not ashamed of Sanford and I would tell anybody, keep coming to Sanford."
NAACP leaders say they are also against a boycott and plan to ask Rev. Al Sharpton to change his mind.
A rally is planned for Trayvon Martin 11 am Saturday in Sanford. It begins at Crooms Academy at 2200 W. 13th Street and proceeds to the Sanford Police Department at 815 W. 13th Street. The Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are expected to be in attendance.
