NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Demonstrators of opposing political ideologies converged Saturday along State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach as “No Kings” protesters and supporters of President Donald Trump staged simultaneous events just steps away from each other.
The “No Kings” protest, part of a broader worldwide movement, drew participants advocating for leadership change. Meanwhile, Trump supporters gathered to celebrate the president’s birthday nearby.
[Watch video below from Casselberry’s “No Kings” protest, see below]
“I’m out here today because what’s happening in our country is un-American and I don’t recognize our country right now,” said Tamara Parker, a “No Kings” protester who called for Trump’s impeachment.
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William Valint, another demonstrator at the “No Kings” event, said he feels protests like Saturday’s are the last refuge they have for speaking out.
“If we don’t do it, who will?” Valint said. “We have the courts that are stopping Trump as much as they can, but he has the Supreme Court to back him up. So it’s up to us, the people, to speak out against the madness.”
While the protest was underway, Trump supporters were there for an event to celebrate the president’s birthday.
“I have a lot of Democratic friends that I’m really good friends with and I know they wouldn’t be out here,” said Mary Fikert, president of the Republican Club of Southeast Volusia.
Pamela Vandergrifft also attended the birthday celebration for Trump. She expressed disappointment about the opposing protest happening simultaneously.
“For them to have the dissension they have is sad to me for this country,” Vandergrifft said.
When asked about the state of the country, Vandergrifft said it’s excellent.
“I’m so proud of President Trump. I think he will go down as one of the greatest presidents of all time,” Vandergrifft said.
Other “No Kings” protests took place across Central Florida on Saturday, including in Clermont, Kissimmee, Orlando and Ocala.
[MORE: Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests line Central Florida streets]