Thousands of 'No Kings' protesters expected in Lee County

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

More than 3,000 "No Kings" protests are planned across the country, and nearly a dozen will take place Saturday along the Gulf Coast from Charlotte to Collier County.

Organizers say the attendance is expected to break records, and police are keeping a close eye on the demonstrations.

Lee Democratic Chairman Jim Rosinus said he expects 10,000 protesters in Lee County alone. He expects the biggest protest to congregate at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway.

"I think it's frustration with the economy. It's frustration with the policies that even the Republicans thought they were promised," Rosinus said.

Alina Rodriguas Rojas is 19 years old and explained why she expects people her age to attend.

"It's a decision for us to kind of show what we expect of our future and choose what we want for our future," she said.

Although the rallies have been planned for months, organizers like Cynthia Wolfe said they're timely.

"Regular folks are so sympathetic to the notion of, 'Let's release the Epstein files. Let's not get into wars of choice that cost a billion dollars a day,'" Wolfe said.

She is planning a protest at the intersection of U.S. 41 and DelPrado Boulevard and knows there could be problems.

"Of course, we get one finger salutes and people who blast dark smoke in your face. We have some of that, of course," she said.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said it is aware of the protests and will have deputies monitoring.

Many people, like Mike Primo, called the demonstrations a waste of time.

"I think they're a little ridiculous. They're proving nothing. There are no kings in this country," Primo said.

Democratic candidate for governor David Jolly is expected to attend the protest at U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway.

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