Southwest Florida demonstrators rally against Trump policies during 'No Kings' protests

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Southwest Florida joined national demonstrations against President Donald Trump on Saturday, as protests erupted from Venice to Naples.

"This is absolutely not about right and left," said protestor Wendy Chase. "This is about right and wrong. That's why there's people from every political stripe here today."

Chase joined hundreds of people in a demonstration at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway in Lee County. People lined the road with signs, American flags, and inflatable animal costumes. It was one of thousands of 'No Kings' protests across the country on Saturday. People raised concerns about the war in Iran, cost-of-living, and Trump's immigration crackdown.

"I think the current administration is heading in the wrong direction and causing ruin for our country," said protestor Cherie Bell. "And I'd like these people to be aware of that."

There were 11 No Kings demonstrations in Southwest Florida, according to organizers. Drivers showered protestors with a steady stream of honks at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway. Some protestors said they were surprised at the amount of support in ruby-red Lee County, where Trump won 63% of the vote in 2024.

It comes as Democrats just notched two surprise victories in special elections for the state legislature. Florida Democrats said they see an opportunity to snatch more Republican seats in November.

Lee County GOP Chair Mercedes Price-Harry acknowledged there is some concern about the upcoming election. But Price-Harry said she is confident that Florida, which has become firmly Republican, is still behind the GOP.

"I think that right now, the left does a really good job of being angry when they're not in power," Price-Harry said. "And it's very easy to just, you know, just persuade people to be anti-whoever is in charge. And I think that's a lot of what we're seeing."

She dismissed the idea that Trump is a 'king' and said Democrats are weaponizing issues like the Iran war to win elections.

Protestor Wendy Chase said the demonstrations transcend party lines.

"I love my country," Chase said. "And I'm ashamed of this administration.”