JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of protests were held across the country on Saturday and thousands of people in the Jacksonville area came out peacefully to make their voices heard.
The protests were part of a nationwide organized event dubbed “No Kings,” against President Donald Trump’s administration.
Around 9 a.m. on Saturday, hundreds of protesters were out near the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard. Ryan Feeney from the group Indivisible Mandarin said they were expecting at least 1,000 participants.
Lifelong Jacksonville resident Joice Corley came with her sign to stand alongside her community.
“It just seems like he’s not following the rule of law, and that’s what we’re all about, regardless if you’re Democrat or Republican,” Corley said.
A few counter-protestors were also in the area.
“I’m a product of immigrants on both sides of my family. They came here legally, they assimilated, they produced, they contributed to this country,” said Janine Lindgren, a Trump supporter.
Hundreds of people also gathered in front of the Duval County Courthouse, waving signs and chanting “This is what democracy looks like!” starting around 11 a.m. During the protest, an airplane pulling a sign that said “Duuuval for Trump!” flew overhead.
Maceo George is the Former President of Branch 53 of the National Letter Carriers Association in Jacksonville. He came out to speak in front of the hundreds of protestors voicing their concerns for both the national and local governments.
“Democracy. Democracy means everything. If we don’t have democracy and constitutional rights, we don’t have anything,” he said.
Casey Jones showed up to back President Trump.
“It’s been great,” Jones said. “He shut down the border, he’s making gas prices cheaper, the eggs have gone down. It’s a win-win.”
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) June 14, 2025
"Once again, our city has shown its ability to remain calm while residents express their views and beliefs. Today, our community exemplified for others across the country its commitment to peace while exercising the constitutional… pic.twitter.com/47y0vLKCra
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said there were no reports of injuries, property damage, road blockages or arrests related to the protests.
“Once again, our city has shown its ability to remain calm while residents express their views and beliefs. Today, our community exemplified for others across the country its commitment to peace while exercising the constitutional rights afforded to every American citizen,” Waters said in a statement.
Other protests were also held in Northeast Florida, including one in Orange Park.
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said hundreds of people showed up at that event and there were no arrests, no injuries and no issues.
“Just 500+ people gathering and lawfully exercising their rights,” Cook said.
In St. Augustine, News4JAX estimates thousands gathered to peacefully protest. Many walked across the Bridge of Lions and back, escorted by police. Everyone stayed on sidewalks and News4JAX did not witness any criminal incidents.
“You don’t wanna stay silent and tell your grandkids or your kids later on that you didn’t do anything to fight for their rights,” said demonstrator Emily Hughey.
There were also protests held in south Georgia, Flagler County and Fernandina Beach.
Elsewhere in Florida, thousands more protested in South Florida and in front of the state Capitol in Tallahassee.
According to the event’s website, the protest is a “nationwide day of defiance.”
On June 14—Flag Day—President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.
No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.
We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind.
The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.
On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.
"No Kings" website
The protests were timed to counterprogram a massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, in Washington, D.C. The event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match.
