ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The St. Petersburg Police Department said officers are going to start enforcing pedestrian traffic laws, even if people are protesting. 

They will start with flyers and warnings. Citations will follow later this week with a $62 fine. 

The department said they're focusing on pedestrians not using sidewalks and blocking traffic. This comes after complaints about protesters blocking roads for emergency vehicles and from other residents trying to get to where they need to go. 

Recent national incidents of vehicles striking protesters who were blocking roadways highlight the importance of following the law and staying clear of traffic.