Jacksonville Joins Dozens of Cities in a Movement Called No Kings as Demonstrators Reject Authoritarianism

A Day of Protest and Patriotism

As the nation prepares to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., another movement is taking shape across America. Thousands of citizens are organizing rallies under the banner of "No Kings"—a coordinated day of protest aimed at rejecting authoritarianism and challenging the policies of President Donald Trump. The protests will unfold on June 14, a day that also marks Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday.

In Jacksonville, Florida, four separate protest events are scheduled to take place across the city and surrounding areas, joining over 70 similar gatherings planned throughout the state.

Why June 14 Matters

The choice of date is no coincidence. While tanks and troops parade through the streets of Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army’s historic milestone, demonstrators nationwide will use the same day to raise their voices in opposition to what they describe as growing threats to democracy.

"No Kings" represents a symbolic stand against the rise of strongman politics and the glorification of power, using the phrase “no thrones, no crowns, no kings” as a rallying cry for democratic resistance.

According to organizers, the goal is to show what true democratic participation looks like—citizens peacefully taking to the streets to voice their concerns and advocate for a more accountable government.

Where Protests Are Taking Place in Jacksonville

Jacksonville residents and nearby communities will see protests at the following locations on Saturday, June 14:

Beach Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard – A 90-minute demonstration will begin here in the morning.

Duval County Courthouse (501 W. Adams Street) – Protesters will gather again at this central location.

Orange Park and St. Johns County – Additional rallies will be held in these areas starting at 10 a.m. and ending around noon.

These gatherings are expected to draw participants from a range of political and community backgrounds, united by concerns about the direction of national leadership.

Who’s Behind the Movement

The No Kings movement is powered by a coalition of grassroots organizations, most notably Indivisible and the 50501 Movement.

Indivisible began in response to the 2016 presidential election and has grown into a powerful network of local activist groups advocating for progressive causes across the U.S., including more than 75 groups in Florida alone.

The 50501 Movement, which originated from a Reddit-based initiative, stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day. Since its formation during Trump’s second inauguration, it has evolved into a sustained campaign for civic activism and democratic values.

Together, these groups are coordinating rallies not only in Jacksonville but across all 50 states.

A Look at Jacksonville’s Political Shift

Once a reliably conservative stronghold, Jacksonville has become a battleground in recent election cycles. In 2020, Joe Biden became the first Democrat to win Duval County since Jimmy Carter in 1976. However, this shift was short-lived.

By 2024, Donald Trump reclaimed Duval County with 50.2% of the vote, narrowly defeating Kamala Harris, who garnered 48.3%. The return of Republican dominance reflected energized local support and strong turnout, especially evident during Trump’s campaign event at Cecil Commerce Center, where crowds gathered for hours under the banner of the "Great American Comeback."

Despite this political resurgence, opposition within Jacksonville remains vocal and organized.

A Second Wave of Protest in the City

Saturday’s protests will not be the first to challenge Trump’s policies in Jacksonville. Earlier this year, on February 17, nearly 150 demonstrators gathered on the steps of the Duval County Courthouse during the Northeast Florida President’s Day Rally.

Participants voiced concerns about a range of issues, including:

Immigration policies and deportations

Corporate influence, particularly from Elon Musk

Fears of authoritarian governance under Project 2025

That rally set the tone for what is now growing into a sustained local movement.

The Military Parade in Washington

While protests unfold in cities across the country, the official U.S. Army parade in Washington, D.C., will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on June 14, covering six blocks along the National Mall. The event is part of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration and will be streamed online through official Army channels.

A Defining Moment in Civic Engagement

June 14 is shaping up to be more than just a celebration of military tradition. For many Americans, it’s also a moment of reckoning—a chance to reaffirm democratic principles, challenge concentrated power, and speak out against policies they believe undermine civil liberties.

In Jacksonville and beyond, the No Kings movement is poised to demonstrate that democracy thrives not just in parades and speeches, but in the courage of everyday citizens who raise their voices and take a stand.