Protests

Activists who organized the protest advocated that those in attendance consider employing civil disobedience in response to Florida's controversial new immigration detention centers.

More than 1,600 gatherings - 12 locally - are scheduled Thursday under the banner of “Good Trouble Lives On,” which refers to a term used by the late Rep. John Lewis referring to peacefully challenging injustice.

Demonstrators gathered at the entrance to the new Florida Everglades migrant detention center dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" as President Trump made an opening-day visit to the controversial facility on Tuesday. "It's just about creating fear, and it's a bit sickening," said one protester.

The organizers said they will deliver a letter signed by over 12,000 "faith leaders and people of faith from across the country" in asking sheriffs to "stop enabling Trump's deportation agenda." The association's annual conference takes place this week at the Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.

The Clearwater jail serves as the Tampa Bay region's designated holding center for those suspected of being in the country illegally.

The Graffiti Bridge in Pensacola was packed with protestors Saturday, June 14 as part of the nationwide No Kings movement.

Participants decried President Donald Trump and his administration, whose practices, some say, reflect those of a would-be king or dictator. The rally took place on the same day as similar gatherings across the state and throughout the country, and hours before a Washington D.C. military parade requested by Trump in conjunction with his 79th birthday.

The South Florida demonstrations were part of a nationwide rally countering the president's military parade to mark the Army's 250th anniversary — and the president's birthday — in Washington, D.C.

Central Florida Public Media is covering the day of protests in communities across the region.

At rallies from Tampa and Largo to Sarasota and Bradenton, protesters made a point of staying on sidewalks and not obstructing traffic.

Alana Greer, director of the Community Justice Project in Miami, said protesters are protected under the law and should be aware of their rights.

Florida officials are issuing warnings in advance of weekend protests against President Trump, with Attorney General James Uthmeier saying, "We are not California."