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Thursday, March 28, 2024

‘SOS Cuba’ supporters stage protest in Ocala

Protesters looking to bring awareness to Cuban residents complaints of food and medicine shortages took to the streets in Ocala this past week. 

On Saturday, July 17, multiple protesters positioned themselves near the Ocala Police Department headquarters along Pine Avenue with signs and shirts in support of the nation’s residents. 

Cuban protesters wave Cuban and American flags in Ocala, Florida on July 17 (Photo courtesy of Tommy Cuevas)
Cuban protesters wave Cuban and American flags in Ocala, Florida on July 17 (Photo courtesy of Tommy Cuevas)

According to national news outlets, Cuban residents have taken to the streets in recent weeks in protest of alleged dissatisfaction with the government’s policies they allege have led to shortages of food and medicine. 

Cuban protester holds "SOS Cuba" sign in Ocala Florida Photo courtesy of Tommy Cuevas
Cuban protester holds “SOS Cuba” sign in Ocala, Florida (Photo courtesy of Tommy Cuevas)

Many donned shirts reading “Patria Y Vida,” a hip-hop song that, along with “SOS Cuba,” has been a new rallying cry popularized by protesters. Multiple residents waved Cuban flags and others waved signs that read “Freedom for Cuba.” 

Cuban protesters hold 22Freedom For Cuba22 sign in Ocala Florida on July 17 Photo courtesy of Tommy Cuevas
Cuban protester holds “Freedom For Cuba” sign in Ocala, Florida on July 17 (Photo courtesy of Tommy Cuevas)

The protest this past weekend comes after another demonstration in downtown Ocala on Monday, July 12. During that event, dozens gathered with similar signs to support the cause along East Silver Springs Boulevard. 

Many of the protesters support ending the embargo with the United States, having cited harsh restrictions created during the COVID-19 pandemic that left the country’s tourism economy on the mend.