“No Kings” protests are taking place June 14 to counter President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday plans to “feed his ego” with a military parade.
“President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else,” the website states.
The protests, now nearly 80 of them scheduled in Florida, coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday Parade. The administration has insisted that the Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday are coincidental and that the parade is justified to honor soldiers’ sacrifice; however, USA TODAY notes that similar plans to celebrate other branches, including the Navy and Marines, are currently nonexistent.
Here’s all you need to know about “No Kings” protest locations in Florida.
Is there a ‘No Kings’ protest planned in Panama City, Florida?
Yes. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon at the Hathaway Bridge, 4798 Collegiate Drive.
Anti-Trump protests near me; see FL ‘No Kings’ protests by city list
According to the No Kings website, over 75 protests (including multiple in the same city) are planned across Florida as of June 10:
Can’t attend in person? See a live stream of ‘No Kings Day of Defiance’
What are the ‘No Kings’ protests? When are the protests?
“No Kings National Day of Defiance” — or simply protests called “No Kings” — seeks to counter Trump’s multimillion-dollar military parade in D.C. and speak out against his policies since retaking office in January.
These protests are being planned nationwide on Saturday, June 14, which is also Flag Day, the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration, and Trump’s birthday.
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like,” the website says.
Continued: “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
The website notes they expect 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.
Who are the organizers behind the ‘No Kings’ protests?
People join together during a protest organized by the 50501 Movement on April 19, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Organizers of the nationwide protest said the demonstrations were to denounce the “hostile government takeover” by the Trump administration.
Indivisible is partnering with 50501 and dozens of other advocacy groups to promote the anti-Trump movement nationwide.
Indivisible, a grassroots political activism group focused on progressive causes, was founded in response to Trump’s 2016 presidential election. The network has branched into a statewide network of groups, including over 75 in Florida.
The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative formed on Reddit under the hashtag #50501 in the early days of Trump’s second inauguration. It stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, which has since evolved to 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement.
What has Trump, Florida officials said about ‘No Kings’ protest?
Trump addressed the protests on Thursday by taking reporters’ questions while signing a resolution blocking California’s proposed ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars starting in 2035.
“I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” Trump told reporters.
Continuing: “A king would say ‘I’m not going to get this …he wouldn’t have to call up (House Speaker) Mike Johnson and (Senate Majority Leader John) Thune and say fellas you’ve got to pull this off and after years we get it done. No no, we’re not a king, we’re not a king at all.”
As for Gov. Ron DeSantis, he appeared on the “The Rubin Report” on Wednesday and told host Dave Rubin that Floridians have a right to hit protesters with their cars if they fear for their safety.
“We also have a policy that if you’re driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety,” the governor said.
Other state officials have emphasized they will ensure that no rioting takes place, threatening arrest and even death. Florida passed an “anti-riot” bill in 2021 that states peaceful protesters can face criminal charges if their actions become violent.
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
When and where is the June 14 DC military parade?
The military parade, which will span six blocks and bisect the National Mall, will take place on Saturday, June 14, in the heart of Washington, D.C. Organizers say the procession will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Events from the 250th birthday celebration, including the parade, will be live-streamed on all U.S. Army social media platforms.
Jim Ross contributed
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: No Kings protest in Panama City, Florida: Why are people protesting?