Statewide demonstrations organized to oppose Trump’s policies; sheriffs urge against violence

UPDATED Friday at 6:30 p.m. with admonition from law enforcement to refrain from violence and reactions from Sarasota Republicans.

The “No Kings” rallies are framed as “a nationwide day of defiance,” according to the website NoKings.org. The initiative encourages participants from urban centers to rural areas to take a stand against authoritarianism and to advocate for a true representation of democracy.

Hundreds of rallies are set to occur across the nation on Saturday, with several locations in the Suncoast area, including Sarasota, Venice, Ellenton, and Englewood.

Organizers are calling for a commitment to nonviolence from participants. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events,” NoKings stated on its website. Furthermore, they advise against bringing any weapons, even those legally permitted.

Local and state law enforcement agencies, however, are preparing for any possible incidents. “We have been monitoring it countywide with our other law enforcement partners and have appropriate staffing to address any issues,” said Dana Judge, a spokeswoman for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sarasota Police Department has opted not to comment, while the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office announced readiness akin to that for major events. Spokesman Randy Warren advised protesters against blocking traffic or impeding pedestrians on sidewalks.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey issued a stern warning to potential protesters: “If you hit one of us, you’re going to the hospital and jail… If you throw a brick, a fire bomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will notify your family where to collect your remains.”

In contrast, the Republican Party of Sarasota County has criticized the rallies, standing by the administration’s immigration policies in a statement to ABC7: “What people are protesting is federal agents doing their jobs, detaining and deporting illegal aliens who took advantage of our nation’s offerings,” noted Chairman Jack Brill.

Sarasota Rally Also Commemorating Pride Month

The largest local rally is scheduled in Sarasota from 5:30-7 p.m. at JD Hamel Park on the Bayfront, supported by the Democratic Women’s Club of Sarasota County. Social media manager Amanda Just shared with ABC7 that this club has organized several protests recently, commenting, “It unites people and highlights pressing issues.”

The choice of holding the rallies on Flag Day is deliberate. The club’s website emphasizes: “This Flag Day, we reclaim the streets for justice, dignity, and democracy—because the flag belongs to all of us, not to would-be kings.”

The Bayfront rally will host keynote speakers such as Sarasota County School Board member Tom Edwards and trans activist India Miller, alongside representatives from SEE Alliance, a youth-led coalition aimed at energizing young voters.

Attendees will have the opportunity to help assemble a 700-foot Pride flag during the event, leading to a march across the Ringling Bridge at 7 p.m. This display, Just explained, is especially poignant as Sarasota has previously illuminated the bridge in rainbow colors for Pride Month, a practice that has been interrupted under current leadership.

“It’s essential to remember Pride Month, particularly as marginalized communities face increased challenges under this administration,” Just added, expressing hopes for a strong turnout. “While RSVPs vary, we hope for around 500 participants, but we’ll see on Saturday.”

Participants are also encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for Streets of Paradise, a nonprofit assisting vulnerable individuals.

Indivisible Manatee, a volunteer group, is organizing two additional rallies: one at University Parkway near University Town Center and another in Ellenton. Miriam Thompson from the group shared that over 1,300 individuals are anticipated at the UTC event and 300 in Ellenton.

Additional rallies scheduled include:

Ellenton: 9–10:30 a.m. near Rocky Bluff Library, U.S. 301 and Ridgewood Boulevard

Sarasota: 9–10:30 a.m. at University Parkway, south side, North Cattlemen Road west to Honore Avenue

Venice: 10 a.m. to noon at Michael Biehl Park

Port Charlotte: 9-10 a.m. at U.S. 41 and Murdock Circle

Englewood: 10-11 a.m. at Dearborn Street and Indiana Avenue

As for the overarching goals, organizers are keen to amplify community involvement. “People are increasingly unwilling to remain passive,” Just remarked. “There’s a growing recognition of the urgent issues many individuals face.”

Key Information

• Rallies are part of a nationwide protest against authoritarianism.
• Locations on the Suncoast include Sarasota, Venice, Ellenton, and Englewood.
• Commitment to nonviolence is emphasized by organizers.
• Local law enforcement is monitoring and prepared for any incidents.
• The Sarasota rally will focus on Pride Month, featuring speakers and a 700-foot Pride flag.
• Additional supportive initiatives include food donations for homeless individuals.