Demonstrators in St. Petersburg holding large flags about No kings in America. Photo by Leah Burdick
Hundreds of people crowded on the corners of 66th St. and 22nd Ave. in St. Petersburg Saturday morning as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest. No Kings Media said St. Petersburg had over 2,000 RSVPs and estimated more attended across the area.
Demonstrators at Tyrone Square dressed up in inflatable costumes, listening to music, waving American flags and holding signs about what No Kings means to them.
The support didn’t end there. Cars passing by were honking, holding signs and or waving “No King” flags.
Demonstrator Heidi Anderson said she participated because the Trump administration is taking part in illegal war actions and has friends who died in Gaza.
“He just keeps trying to grab power and lore it over us and hold it over our heads and decide that he is the king of the United States, and we don’t have kings, no kings, no Trump, no fascism,” Anderson said.
Anderson was one of dozens who said they feel Trump is trying to grab as much power as possible. She said she was thrilled to see the amount of people who came out to fight the same agenda.
Numerous signs at the demonstration were about resisting the power of the Trump administration and not agreeing to his policies.
Demonstrator holds sign that its her birthday and she is at No Kings. Photo by Leah Burdick
Demonstrators hold sings about resist, no kings, and liberty and justice for all. Photo by Leah Burdick
Demonstrator dressed in costume while holding a sign about protecting due process. Photo by Leah Burdick
Demonstrators standing on one of the multiple corners on Tyrone Blvd. Photo by Leah Burdick
Flags for peace and America waving in the air. A sign saying this is a nation run by laws not a king. Photo by Leah Burdick
Sign about how overthrowing a king again. Photo by Leah Burdick
One of many No Kings signs. Photo by Leah Burdick
One of many demonstrators dressed up as a frog. Photo by Leah Burdick
Large sign questioning if there is still democracy and why. Photo by Leah Burdick
Veterans holding signs about equality and being against Trump while dressed in costumes. Photo by Leah Burdick
Two polar bears and an eagle costume. Photo by Leah Burdick
Man in military uniform holding an American flag. Photo by Leah Burdick
Large sign about defending democracy. Photo by Leah Burdick
Lady dressed in costume and talking about healthcare. Photo by Leah Burdick
Demonstrators holding a flag that says Rise Up and another holding an American Flag.
Photo by Leah Burdick
Dinosaur costume holding a sign about loving America with no kings. Photo by Leah Burdick
One of many No Kings signs. Photo by Leah Burdick
Donald Trump costume. Photo by Leah Burdick
Demonstrator holding a sign about how people are not pawns. Photo by Leah Burdick
Bonnie Walter was holding a sign that said “All my outrage can’t fit on one sign.”
“I’m upset about all our great things that make America great are being cut, like funding for public radio, funding for PBS. Funding for teachers and the Department of Education. Children with special needs, because that is important to me,” Walter said. “The detention of people without due process. Immigrants have rights, and even if you think they are criminals, they have rights too.”
She said Trump rules by executive order and needs to include all Americans, not just republicans.
“We have laws here, and we need to follow procedures,” Walter said.
Overall, the protest remained peaceful as demonstrators were dancing to music, blowing bubbles and taking photos with one another and feeling pride in their community.