MIAMI (WSVN) - As tanks and military vehicles are set to roll down the nation’s capital in the largest military parade in decades, protesters across the country are set to speak out against the president’s agenda. Florida state and local officials, however, said they are prepared for whatever comes their way.
A display of might is set for Saturday to mark 250 years of the United States Army. The parade, initially conceived as a July 4 event, was added onto a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Army that coincides with the president’s 79th birthday.
The last military parade was in 1991 to celebrate the U.S. victory in the Gulf War. It cost around $12 million. This parade, however, is set to cost around $45 million.
It is a price tag that’s hard to swallow for some lawmakers.
“I don’t think it’s the best use of our tax dollars,” said U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y.
“We’re a lion, and a lion doesn’t have to tell you it’s a lion,” said U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La.
But as tanks are set to roll down Constitution Avenue alongside thousands of marching soldiers, thousands of counterprotesters are set to make their voices heard.
The 50501 movement is organizing the “No Kings” National Day, dedicated to democracy and the fight against what, they call, the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.
“We will be permitted. We will be nonviolent. We will not be provoked, but we will be in the streets, we will be marching, and we will be heard,” said one protester.
The name, 50501, stands for 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement.
Organizers said several protests are planned in Florida, including in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami and Miami Beach.
The protest in Fort Lauderdale will take place at the beach near A1A and East Sunrise Boulevard, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. In Coral Springs, the protest will occur in West Sample Road and North University Drive from 9 a.m. to noon, and in Hollywood from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Young Circle.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department said they are aware of the expected demonstrations and advises motorists to seek alternate routes in the wake of increased pedestrian traffic. Additionally, a noticeable law enforcement presence will be present in the area of A1A and Sunrise Boulevard.
“We will not tolerate anyone who has plans to agitate the protesters or demonstrators who will be on site, and certainly we will not tolerate anyone who has any tendency to provide any type of violence during these events,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz.
Down south in Miami, the protest will take place at the Torch of Friendship at 301 Biscayne Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in Miami Beach at Pride Park at 1809 Meridian Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
City of Miami Police are currently discussing plans for dealing with the demonstrations set to take place over the weekend. The City of Miami Beach told 7News they want a contingent of officers present during the demonstrations.
Miami-Dade Democrats said they will be attending the protests because they want to show that they are against Trump’s immigration policies and the military parade.
“People are rising up, not because they want chaos, but because they refuse to be ruled,” said Florida State Sen. Shevrin Jones.
“It’s in alignment with our values, which is upholding the Constitution and also not spending $45 million in taxpayer money for a military parade for President Trump’s birthday without any need,” said Laura Kelly, Chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party.
Both Democrats added that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids happening across the country are inhumane.
“These are individuals that are fighting for their families, that was snatched away from them,” said Jones.
“This is not the way we enforce our immigration laws in the United States of America. This is terrifying for many people in our community,” said Kelly.
State officials have issued warnings for those taking part in the demonstrations.
“Point a gun at one of our deputies, and we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “Because we will kill you, graveyard dead.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis touted the state’s law against riots, signed in 2021 during the George Floyd protests.
“You have no right to commandeer streets. First of all, it’s just wrong; second of all, that has huge impacts on people’s quality of life,” said DeSantis. “If you drive off and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you. You don’t have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets. You have a right to defend yourself in Florida.”
The governor also pointed out Miami-Dade County in particular, saying it was impressive how they were able to quell a protest that took place in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 13 minutes.
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