The editor notes: This piece will be updated.
Demonstrators filled the avenues throughout Southwest Florida on Saturday as part of a national movement. Hands Off attempt to express their discontent with President Donald Trump's series of executive actions following his inauguration in February.
A demonstration started at 10 a.m. on U.S. 41/Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers where approximately 2,000 individuals gathered alongside the roads holding signs that reflected various causes they supported such as public land preservation, individual privacy, healthcare access through Medicaid, veteran support services, women’s rights, and additional issues.
A second demonstration was focused on U.S. Senator Byron Daines' Cape Coral office located at 1039 SE 9th Avenue. th At Ave., a "drive-in" demonstration was scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ronald McDonald, a Republican and a staunch supporter of Trump, declared his intention to campaign for the position of Florida governor.
The "Naples, ands Off!" Collier County Fights Back rally takes place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Collier County Courthouse located at 3315 Tamiami Trail East.
The national protests were organized by an opposition group against Trump known as "50501." This title reflects their strategy to hold 50 demonstrations simultaneously in each of the 50 states within one day.
Across the country, over 500,000 individuals have responded affirmatively to participate in one of the events. 1,000 demonstrations, parades, or public gatherings organized by grassroots groups.
A few days prior to the event, over 700 individuals had initially expressed their intention to be part of the Naples rally.
Over 150 activist groups include backing the demonstrations, spanning from progressive organizations like Indivisible and the League of Women Voters, to trade unions including the National Education Association and the United Auto Workers.
In Fort Myers and Cape Coral, organizers also incorporated F.R.E.E. Indivisible SWFL and Save Our Democracy.
The national organizers have stated that the protests aim to remain peaceful, a sentiment that was also supported by the local organizers.
The USA Today network provided input for this report.
The article initially appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press. Demonstrators fill the streets of Fort Myers as part of a nationwide movement opposing presidential directives.