Nearly 50 cities in Florida will host events protesting the Trump administration under the name “Good Trouble Lives On.”
Two are scheduled in Polk County.
The nation’s fourth wide-scale protest of the year was announced by a coalition of the organizations behind the No Kings protests in June, according to USA TODAY. Two of those protests also occurred in Polk.
“The civil rights leaders of the past have shown us the power of collective action. That’s why on July 17, five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all,” the website states.
Since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, there have been monthly nationwide protests since April.
Here’s all you need to know about “Good Trouble” protest locations in Florida.
What are the ‘Good Trouble’ protests? When are the protests?
Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, speaking out against Jeff Sessions, nominee for Attorney General, confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 11, 2017.
Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of action in response to what organizers say are “attacks” on civil and human rights by the Trump administration.
“We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations,” a graphic on the Good Trouble Lives On website says. “Whether you’re outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest — this movement is for you.”
The “Good Trouble” protests will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This is the same day that Rep. John Lewis died five years ago in 2020. He was a major leader in the 1960s civil rights movement — he was an original Freedom Rider and an organizer of the March on Washington in 1963.
“Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, ‘Good Trouble’ is the action of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change,” the website states.
The website notes that it expects all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with its values and to act lawfully at these events. They advise that weapons should not be brought to the protest.
Where are the protests in Polk County?
The local protests are scheduled in Davenport and Lakeland.
Anti-Trump protests near me; see FL ‘Good Trouble’ protests by city list
According to the Good Trouble website, 49 protests (including multiple in the same city) are planned across Florida as of Tuesday, July 15:
What is happening in Tallahassee, Florida
Plans are fluid, but three separate protest actions are scheduled on two different days.
On July 17, organizers are hosting an all-day youth summit titled “The Good Trouble Lab: Where Youth Power Meets Purpose.
“Inspired by the late Congressman John Lewis, an all-day youth summit empowers emerging change makers to get into Good Trouble—the kind that challenges injustice and ignites transformation,” the website says of the Tallahassee event. “Through workshops, creative expression, and action planning, attendees will walk away equipped to create real impact in their communities.”
Visit www.mobilize.us for details. The site does not list a location or time, but says it will be provided for those who register.
Later that evening, The Tallahassee Community Action Committee is organizing a “Good Trouble Lives On in Tallahassee!” protest in front of the Capitol at 6 p.m.
“For this march and rally, we are encouraging everyone to bring a flag from a country they or any of their family immigrated from,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “America is a country built on immigration, so let’s show just how diverse we really are!”
Then on Saturday, July 19, in front of the Old Capitol at 10 a.m. there will be another “Good Trouble” protest organized by the Leon Democratic Party, the local chapter of the AFL-CIO, The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Leon County, People Power For Florida and Rising Voices Collective.
The protest will include speakers including Amanda Macedo, the wife of immigrant detained at the May 29 ICE raidin Tallahassee, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and his aide and chair of the Leon Democratic Party Ryan Ray and others.
“Tallahassee has a proud civil rights history and we cannot sit silently while Trump and extremist Republicans reverse the progress we’ve made in the last century towards ‘a more perfect union,’ ” organizers wrote.
See photos of June ‘No Kings’ protest in Florida
What to know before attending any protests in Florida
Human Rights Campaign has tips for those participating in a peaceful protest to help ensure their safety and well-being:
Properly prepare: Dress for the weather, pack the necessary supplies (cash, water, extra battery, etc), have at least one emergency contact, and plan to share your status throughout the protest.
Know the environment: Research the location beforehand and have an offline-accessible map to reference if the service is spotty. Have multiple routes into and out of the protest area.
Stay Aware: Maintain “360 situational awareness”— always know what is happening around you. If you see something, say something.
Observe, Orient, Decide, Act: The “OODA Loop” (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a helpful framework to stay calm and make decisions during high-stress situations:
Observe: Identify the source of danger and your surroundings
Orient: Determine where you are and where you need to go
Decide: Choose a course of action that minimizes risk
Act: Implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: ‘Good Trouble’ protests planned in Florida July 17, two in Polk County