‘No Kings’ Protest To Be Held Saturday In FL: What To Know

FLORIDA — Protesters in Florida and across the country will take to the streets Saturday in “No Kings” rallies nationwide to coincide with a military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary that falls on Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. June 14 is also Flag Day.

“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” according to organizers. “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.”

“They’ve gone too far. This is bigger than political disagreement,” Helen Amburgey, Pinellas NOW member and event organizer in St. Petersburg, said in a provided statement. “They’ve defied our courts, deported American citizens, disappeared people off the streets, and slashed our services — all while orchestrating a massive giveaway to their billionaire allies. Enough is enough.”

No Kings events in Florida include a number in the greater Tampa Bay area:

• Brooksville/Spring Hill, 10 a.m. to noon, event address is private until you register in advance
• Ellenton, 9 to 10:30 a.m., near Rocky Bluff Library
• Largo, 9 a.m. to noon, Largo Central Park
• Largo, 5 to 6 p.m., northwest corner of Seminole Boulevard near PNC Bank
• Plant City, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., City Hall
• New Port Richey, 10 a.m. to noon, State Road 54 and Little Road
• Riverview, 3 to 5 p.m., event address is private until you register in advance
• Sarasota, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., J.D. Hamel Park
• Sarasota, 9 to 10:30 a.m., University Parkway on the south side
• St. Petersburg, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Tyrone and 66th Street area
• Tampa, 3 to 6 p.m., Tampa City Hall

Organizers said a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolence.

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“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,” according to the website. “Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

More than 100 pro-democracy advocacy groups have signed on in support of No Kings. There won’t be a No Kings event in Washington, D.C., where the military parade and festivities are estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.

As many as 200,000 people are expected to attend the celebration, which features the parade, fireworks, NFL players, fitness competitions and displays across the National Mall.

The parade itself will include 28 M1 Abrams main battle tanks weighing more than 60 tons apiece, 28 tracked Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 wheeled Stryker combat vehicles, four tracked M-109 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and other towed artillery. The Army said it is planning protective asphalt work and will put new rubber padding on the tanks’ metal tracks to try to minimize street damage.

More than 6,700 soldiers will travel from bases around the country to participate in the parade and festival. For each of the nation’s major conflicts, starting with the Revolutionary War. For each conflict, 60 soldiers will wear period uniforms supplied by an event company representing that war and be followed by 400 soldiers from their same base in present-day uniforms. BN

At the end of the parade, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will jump over the White House, landing near Trump to present him with a folded flag, and 250 new recruits or reenlisting service members will be sworn into the Army by Trump.

More than 50 helicopters and aircraft representing different wars will fly over the city — pairing up with the units on the ground as they pass the president.

Spending has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department.

In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee last week, Army leaders defended the spending for the service branch’s 250th birthday celebration, saying it will boost recruitment. Some members of Congress argued that the money could be better spent on troops’ barracks or other priorities.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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