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Wind, horns and a message: Crowd rallies at Fernandina Beach ‘No Kings’ protest
The local rally was part of the third national day of action organized under the “No Kings” banner, a movement that has gained momentum through earlier nationwide protests in cities and smaller communities across the country.
Organizers and participants say the demonstrations are rooted in concerns about the concentration of political power and the preservation of democratic norms. At the center of those concerns is Donald Trump, with protesters arguing that actions they attribute to him — including efforts they say expand presidential authority or challenge institutional checks — run counter to constitutional principles.
In Fernandina Beach, attendees expressed a mix of political concern and civic engagement as they lined the roadway with signs and waved to passing traffic.
Jean Robinson of Fernandina Beach said she attended to show solidarity with others who share her concerns.
“I’m here because I believe in democracy. I believe in the Constitution, and I want to eradicate any fascism that we have in our country,” Robinson said. “These protests help because if we come out and show people they’re not alone — that there are many of us — that number will continue to grow.”
Molly Devoe, who was visiting Fernandina Beach, described the gathering in broader terms.
“I’m here for peace in the world,” Devoe said. “I think the protest is great. It brings the community out, and we all spread a message of love.”
Christina Probst of Yulee framed her participation in a historical context.
“We fought fascism and dictatorship in 1776, then again in 1939 and 1941,” Probst said. “It’s way too late in this millennium to be fighting it again against one person in the United States. It’s ridiculous that we’re out here, but we have to have a movement like ‘No Kings.’”
Richard Nieberline of Fernandina Beach said he believes stronger leadership is needed.
“I’m out here because I think the decisions that have been made by our president in many ways have been terrible and not serving the masses of the population,” Nieberline said. “We just need better leadership.”
Saturday’s demonstration remained peaceful, with participants emphasizing visibility and solidarity as the primary goals. Organizers have indicated that additional “No Kings” protests could follow as the movement continues to build nationwide.
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dpwagner
If you are able to protest ‘No Kings’, then you live in a country that doesn’t have a king, a country I am very proud of.
Saturday, March 28 Report this
RobertR
Liberty like democracy is lost in small bites. Every wink of an eye these last several years it seems more and more slips away. Like a thief in the night, Proclamations and Executive Order seem to mount. Total disregard for The Constitution of the United States and The Rule of Law has become common place. Many seem to just accept this as quite frankly they have many times not ever once even read them. We seem to have elected an individual(s) who constantly say one thing then does another. I am not a Republican nor a Democrat but an individual who would really appreciate elected officials who do not read and speak like a 10 year old. Not only is it embarrassing it is down right insane that these individuals are on the very brink of literally burning our country if not the Word to the ground we stand on. Hanging on to Liberty and democracy is no easy task and from the looks of recent events, history is destined to repeat itself~~~not for the better.
Saturday, March 28 Report this
Mark Tomes
Although the focus of the protest is No Kings and the erosion of our democracy, any extended observation of Trump nowadays shows a man in serious mental decline. Go beyond the sound bites and we see a rambling, vindictive, unfocused, self-possessed and chilld-like man, even more so than he was just a few months ago. It is embarrassing and frightful, considering he is in such a position of great power. I believe, however, that he is not the one in power. There are those around him who have his ear, know what to say, and plant seeds and phrases and ideas that they want to him to say and get implemented. And he responds appropriately for them. It is a group of white supremacists, religious fanatics, and relentless grifters running the show. Trump the Puppet is on the stage, but the strings are pulled by those around him. So, please, use your energy from the protests and rallies to support and assist progressive candidates in the upcoming elections! We must get good-hearted, clear-sighted, and honest people in office!
Sunday, March 29 Report this
JayKayne
Last night, my wife and I ended "No Kings" day by watching the movie "Nuremburg." I suggest dpwagner and anyone else who does not understand why so many of us were compelled to attend the rally also watch this film. The message was clear. HItler's rise to power was fueled by the unwillingness of German citizens to stand up against his power grab before it was too late. You may not think we have a king, but there is no doubt we have a president who thinks of himself in regal terms. Everyone standing on Eighth Street yesterday loves America as much as you do. We just want to make sure it remains that "shining city on a hill" before it is TOO LATE>
Sunday, March 29 Report this
BeachEd
Where were these people when Biden shutdown the country and tried to force people to take a shot? Where were these people when Biden shutdown investigations that involved his family and friends ? Where are the protests about AOC, Omar and Nancy Pelosi making millions off of inside trades ? Trump is far from perfect but the TDS and brainwashing from the MSM is unreal ! Wake up and realize both sides are playing us !
Sunday, March 29 Report this
Greperkins
Fiends and Neighbors,
I respect the passion that brings people out to protest — it shows you care deeply, and that courage matters.
But some of the signs were laced with profanity that crosses a line. This isn’t bold; it’s crude. It debases the protest and creates an ugly, hostile space — especially for the children and families who are watching or passing by.
Our small town deserves better. We can disagree fiercely without vulgarity that forces parents to shield their kids’ eyes. Real leadership and strength mean expressing conviction with clarity and decency, not lowering the standard for everyone else.
To those with the offensive signs: I get the anger and frustration. But our kids are watching how we handle conflict. Let’s protest with purpose and dignity instead of carelessness toward innocence.
This town belongs to all of us. We demand better — for our children, for our shared spaces, and for the community we’re building together.
Sunday, March 29 Report this
BBillings
Why don't you protestors just be honest and call this what it actually is - an anti-Trump rally.
You are all anti -Trump people, who for some reason were perfectly fine with a brain dead Joe Biden and all the corruption that came with him.
And you were perfectly fine with the racially divisive barry obama and all the corruption that came with him.
Your cause might just be taken a bit more seriously if you just started out by telling the truth - you hate donald trump.
But you can't tell the truth - it's not in your nature - so 99% of floridians just laugh at you while we go about our days.
Sunday, March 29 Report this
dpwagner
GrePerkins and Bbillings…..both very well stated in a thoughtful manner.
Tuesday, March 31 Report this