FLORIDA — In our team coverage, Tampa Bay 28's Mary O'Connell, Keely McCormick, and Erik Waxler spoke with community members and covered the "No Kings" protest throughout Tampa Bay.
WATCH: Mary O'Connell hits the streets of Tampa to speak with protesters
Thousands of people filled streets across the Tampa Bay region Saturday as part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations known as the “No Kings” protests. This movement, organizers say, is aimed at calling out what they describe as authoritarian policies by President Donald Trump.
In Tampa, hundreds of people gathered near Tampa City Hall, holding signs and honking horns.
Tampa Bay 28 Reporter Mary O'Connell asked every person she met what was important to them as they rallied downtown, with issues ranging from immigration to the economy and healthcare.
“Personally, I would like a lot less of the over-aggressive policing," said Chris Howard. "I’m not real big on the snatching people up off the street. It’s not what we do in America.”
“I got tired of seeing all of our liberties taken away from us, and I got tired of nobody doing anything, no action being taken," said Cheryl Flowers. "I am old school, and when something goes wrong, we hit the streets.”
The moment was also met with a wave of feelings.
“It’s emotional at times. It’s really emotional," said Jose Charriez. "I never thought that my country was going to come to this point and very proud that people are taking time out of their day to come and express themselves.”
During the protest in downtown Tampa on Saturday afternoon, Tampa Bay 28 didn't see counterprotestors stop by, and everything appeared to remain peaceful.
Keely McCormick spoke with others in the community who had different opinions
A local man took to social media after seeing protesters in Tampa. He's calling these demonstrations ironic.
WATCH: Keely's report
"I went to college in New York, and I didn't get the vaccine, and I almost had to drop out of School for not getting the vaccine, and all the people on that side of the aisle basically said I deserve to die for not getting the vaccine, so I think it's pretty ironic that that group is now doing a protest for dictatorship and authoritative government," said Christian Bonnier.
The No Kings protests were not just in Tampa. They were happening all across the country, and thousands of people participated across our region.
Erik Waxler stopped by several rallies
In Largo, protesters lined both sides of Bay Drive and Seminole Boulevard, many holding handmade signs and waving American flags. Participants said they came out to show solidarity and demand a return to what they called compassion and democratic values.
WATCH: No Kings protests in the greater Tampa Bay area
“We’ve got to bring care for humanity and our neighbors back. Love your neighbor,” Dan Eberts said.
The “No Kings” movement began earlier this year in response to concerns about presidential overreach, including Trump’s use of executive authority, deployment of troops to cities during civil unrest, and stricter immigration enforcement policies.
“America doesn’t need any kings. We need tolerance and diversity in everything that he’s trying to take away,” said Mikol Benjacob, who attended the rally with her young son. “To see how many people came out on a Saturday morning and are not just going to brunch but are coming out to say we don’t stand for this.”
Marine veteran Jim Gaines held a sign that read “Vet Against Fascism.” He said he felt compelled to protest because of his military oath.
“I’m just sick to death with what’s going on. With the way Trump is running this country and all his little cohorts,” Gaines said. “I’d love to see more vets out protesting because we are the ones that took an oath to defend the Constitution, and he has just torn up the Constitution.”
Across the country, organizers say more than 2,500 rallies were planned in cities large and small, with several in the Tampa Bay area.
Among the demonstrators at the rally in Brandon, a lone Trump supporter drove laps around the rally in a pickup truck, drawing jeers from some in the crowd. But overall, participants described the atmosphere as peaceful.
“It’s people who love this country. It’s people who want to return to a country that is led by the people, not someone who is increasingly becoming more and more powerful outside the limits of the president as outlined in the Constitution,” said Penny Borgia, dressed as Lady Liberty.
In Sarasota, protesters gathered near the University Town Center mall, expressing frustration over recent immigration enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“When people of different skin color start getting really scared, even though they are born here, maybe Puerto Rican descent, they are scared to even go to work right now,” said Roselyn Kessler of Bradenton.
This was the second round of “No Kings” protests. The first took place on June 14, drawing millions across the country. Organizers say Saturday’s turnout appeared even larger, reflecting what they describe as growing resistance to what they call “an erosion of democratic norms.”
Share Your Story with Mary
Mary O’Connell has a primary focus on education-related stories for Tampa Bay 28. But she also keeps an eye on public health concerns and the always-changing car insurance market. Reach out to Mary to share any of your questions or concerns.
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Share Your Story with Erik
For more than 15 years, Erik Waxler has called Pasco County home. He’s dedicated to helping his neighbors solve problems and celebrate those who help others. Share your ideas and tips with Erik below.
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