By Roger Jimenez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
In Apopka on Saturday, several hundred demonstrators gathered in front of City Hall, waving flags and holding signs with slogans such as “No Kings Since 1776,” “No Kings, No Tyrants,” and “Patriots Against Fascism.” People of all ages joined in, lining Main Street and chanting for more than two hours.
The protest remained peaceful, despite mixed reactions from passing drivers. Some honked in support, while others responded with profanity or gestures of disagreement. No arrests or major incidents were reported.
Rianna, a resident who was raised in Apopka and has lived in the city for the past five years, said showing up to the protest felt like a necessary step for her community involvement. Her large sign read ‘America: Founded By Protestors’.
“I feel like over the last few years, I have taken my country for granted, all of the rights that we have available to us, and I feel like it was the right thing to do to come out and really make my voice be heard,” she said.
When asked about President Donald Trump’s actions during the first 150 days of his presidency, Rianna expressed disappointment.
“I don’t feel he has done a good job; if anything, he has made everything more divisive and polarizing. I think people are starting to realize, even the ones that didn’t know or the ones who have voted for him before, are starting to understand that maybe he wasn’t the best option.”
Rene Gomez, a civic engagement coordinator with the Florida Farmworkers Association and an Apopka resident, co-hosted the protest after No Kings reached out to FWA for support. He voiced frustration over the $45 million military parade being held in Washington, DC, on the same day, arguing that the money could have been better spent on more urgent public needs.
“There’s always a lot of need right now, with grocery prices, with gas transportation… You can think of so many things to do, but then you see them cut a bunch of federal jobs and a bunch of resources in the community. So it’s very disappointing that he chose to do that on his birthday, because he could also support the military and education in many different ways than just a party.”
When asked what message he hoped the protest would send, Gomez emphasized the group’s commitment to democratic values.
“We don’t believe in authoritarianism and a dictatorship. We believe that every person is a human being who deserves to be represented and to have a voice. So we’re making it very clear for those who can’t speak out, we’re speaking up for them, and that we want the President and the governor to hear us and hear our needs.”
Central Florida saw over fifteen “No Kings” protests in cities such as Ocala, Kissimmee, and Orlando. The events remained peaceful overall, with only three arrests reported: two counter-protesters in Ocala for physical altercations and weapons possession, and one protester for allegedly hitting someone with a cardboard sign.
Cities nationwide saw thousands take to the streets to protest not just the parade, but also several controversial actions taken during the most recent 150 days of the Trump administration. Among them: mass deportations affecting immigrants and U.S. citizens alike, significant cuts to Medicaid, and the targeting of local law enforcement agencies accused of cooperating with ICE.
