FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — No Kings demonstrations are taking place across Southwest Florida on Saturday, Oct. 17, as organizers encourage voter participation ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
One of the demonstrations was scheduled near Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers.
According to the official No Kings event listing, the Fort Myers rally was scheduled from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at 13701 S. Tamiami Trail, near the intersection of U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway.
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Organizers invited residents to attend the rally, become neighborhood captains and develop plans to vote in the upcoming election.
Saturday’s events are part of a nationwide effort called “No Kings: Vote Early,” following previous demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration.
While the movement has criticized the administration’s policies and actions, organizers say this round of events is also focused on encouraging eligible voters to understand their voting options and participate in the November election.
Other demonstrations across Southwest Florida
In Lee County, the Fort Myers Visibility Brigade scheduled a demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon along the Interstate 75 overpass at Estero Parkway.
According to the event listing, participants planned to display large signs along the bridge’s fencing, making their messages visible to motorists traveling on the interstate.
In Collier County, FREE Indivisible SWFL organized a “No Kings: Vote Early” rally at the Collier County Courthouse, located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East in Naples.
The Naples demonstration began at 10 a.m., according to its official event listing.
Organizers said the gathering would focus on voter participation, including encouraging attendees to make voting plans and learn about their options before Election Day.
The Naples event also included a planned food drive in partnership with Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.
Another Collier County event was scheduled in Immokalee from 2 to 4 p.m. at Immokalee Community Park.
According to the 50501 Community Network’s event listing, organizers invited residents to attend the rally and help family members, friends and neighbors make plans to vote.
In Charlotte County, organizers scheduled a No Kings rally beginning at 9 a.m. at 18500 Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte, near the intersection with U.S. 41.
The Port Charlotte event’s description invited participants to dress as political figures, bring music and encourage their neighbors to vote early.
Additional demonstrations were advertised in Englewood and Matlacha.
Englewood Resists scheduled a sign-waving rally from 9 to 11 a.m. near East Dearborn Street and North Indiana Avenue. A separate gathering was advertised near the Matlacha Pass Bridge.
Organizers emphasize peaceful participation
The No Kings coalition said its events are intended to be nonpartisan and encourage participation from all eligible voters.
Organizers said participants are expected to demonstrate peacefully, avoid confrontations and follow applicable laws.
The coalition also said its events prohibit weapons and do not encourage civil disobedience.
The Oct. 17 demonstrations come just over two weeks before Florida’s Nov. 3 general election.
WINK News is following the demonstrations across Southwest Florida and will provide updates as more information becomes available.