SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Thousands of protesters lined U.S. 17-92 in Seminole County Saturday for the “No Kings” protests as demonstrators gathered in both Casselberry and Lake Mary to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump and his policies.
The Seminole County Democrats estimated 2,400 people attended the Casselberry demonstration alone, with hundreds more gathering simultaneously in Lake Mary. Protesters cited various concerns, from immigration policy to the need for community unity in politically-divided times.
“I come from a family that’s been divided by this,” said Brianna Skiles, who began volunteering with the Seminole County Democrats last year. “These events are a place to find people you agree with. What we really need right now is a sense of community and friendship to get us through all the hate.”
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Many participants indicated this was their first time engaging in political activism. Among them was Father Clint Kandle of Longwood Hills Congregational Church, who expressed concern about the intersection of religion and politics.
“We gotta rip off the labels and we gotta get back to loving one another,” Kandle said.
The protest drew participants across generations, including teenagers attending their first demonstration. A 16-year-old protester, accompanied by her father, emphasized the peaceful nature of the gathering.
“Everyone here is hugging, have signs, are happy, promoting equality,” she said. “So I think the biggest goal is to make our voices heard.”
Aida Melendez, who opposes the Trump administration’s immigration policies, described the protest as “the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” noting the community spirit evident in the sharing of water and signs among protesters.
“I have never gone to any kind of rally or any kind of march,” Melendez said. “But it has to be done.”
Andria Patrick brought her two young children to the demonstration, emphasizing the broader implications of their presence. “We’re here to save our country,” Patrick said. “And we’re here to protest and defending other people’s rights. Even if they don’t feel that they’re losing it.”
The demonstration drew a pointed response from local Republican leadership. The Seminole County GOP responded to the protests on social media by sharing an AI-generated video depicting Trump in royal attire with the caption “LONG LIVE THE KING.”