ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Thousands of “No Kings” protests were planned across the country on Saturday, including at least 10 demonstrations in Northeast Florida.
Organizers said the goal is to voice opposition to the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
It’s the second “No Kings” protest and third mass movement against the administration this year, and it comes amid an intensifying conflict between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide.
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Here’s a breakdown of some of the protests that were held across Northeast Florida on Saturday.
St. Augustine
People gathered Saturday morning in front of the Castillo de San Marcos and on South Castillo Drive in St. Augustine to join the nearly 2,500 protests that were planned nationwide.
“I feel like our country has gotten so divided. And there are people who need to come together,” Lisa Thuro, a St. Johns County resident, said.
Thuro said she participated in the protest to voice her concerns peacefully for the second time, after attending the first “No Kings” demonstrations a few months prior.
People gathered Saturday morning in front of the Castillo de San Marcos and on South Castillo Drive in St. Augustine to join the nearly 2,500 protests that were planned nationwide. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
Saturday’s protests were set to take place in all 50 states, and Thuro said she is concerned for her children and grandchildren.
“I’m really worried about their future. I’m worried that they’re not going to have the freedom to choose, to do what they want to do. I’m worried about gun rights,” Thuro said.
David Sample was also among the residents who attended the protest in St. Augustine.
“I’ve been a Republican all my life. I’m what we call a Rockefeller Republican,” Resident David Sample said. “And I do see a lot of my friends who are Republicans see it the same way I do.”
A heavy security presence was noticed at the event site from both St. Augustine Police and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
During the time News4JAX was present at the protest, there appeared to be no counterprotestors.
One of the main issues on the demonstrators’ minds is the current government shutdown, which has dragged on for over two weeks now — with no end in sight.
“And as a former history teacher and government teacher, it makes me sick to see that we’re paying these people not to do their job,” Sample said.
Orange Park
Protesters lined up at the corner of Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue, in front of Burger King, to express their concerns against the Trump administration.
“No Kings” protest in Orange Park. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
Demonstrators of all ages and backgrounds were seen holding colorful signs with different messages, such as “Diversity is our strength” and “Protect Democracy.”
Several drivers passing by honked at the protesters to express their support.
Protesters lined up at the corner of Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue, in front of Burger King, to express their concerns against the Trump administration. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
There have been no reports of disturbances at this protest.
Jacksonville Beaches
Demonstrators in the Beaches area gathered at the Jacksonville Public Library Beaches Branch on Saturday morning to voice their concerns.
Demonstrators in the Beaches area gathered at the Jacksonville Public Library Beaches Branch on Saturday morning to voice their concerns. (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
Passing cars were seen honking, while demonstrators held American flags and a variety of signs expressing their opposition to the Trump administration.
There have been no reports of disturbances at this protest.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.