ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – In St. Augustine, more than 1,000 people protested in the historic downtown.
The group gathered at the base of the Castillo de San Marcos to protest the Trump Administration.
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It was a day of protest across the country as people spoke out about the scheduled military parade, immigration policy and government spending.
“We are here to fight and let people know that we don’t agree,” Suzanna Pavelle said.
Pavelle is a part of Indivisible St. Johns, one of the groups organizing the St. Augustine protest.
Crowds of protestors filled the field in front of the historic fort. Protestors chanted “This is what democracy looks like!” and waved signs at cars driving by.
“It’s been great and it’s really indicative of how people are feeling,” Michelle Jennings, St. Johns Democratic Party Chair said.
Around 9:30 a.m., several speakers took the microphone and shared their message.
Then, at 11 a.m., the group marched to the Bridge of Lions and passing cars honked their horns.
The group remained on the sidewalks with the assistance of St. Augustine Police. There were no reports of any arrests and no major confrontations.
“It is absolutely imperative that these rallies remain peaceful because protesting in the US is as American as apple pie,” Pavelle said. “And that is part of what makes America a great country. We have a First Amendment right to say if we disagree with the administration.”
Some in attendance even crossed party lines.
“I was a Republican until two weeks ago, where I switched to a Democrat,” Pavelle said.
She said she hasn’t voted for Trump but has voted Republican in the past.
She and others in attendance said they hope collectively they can be heard.
“It’s not about politics, not about party,” Jan Cardia said, “It’s about humanity and decency.”
