A local group that has staged several protests and demonstrations over the past year and a half says it will stage another event to promote national unity ahead of the country’s 250th birthday.
The Ocala Blue Dots will host the “All of US 250” protest on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Historic Downtown Square in Ocala.
According to a press release from organizer Diana Vance, the event is being held in response to what the group views as the current administration’s efforts to “divide the country” and pit citizens against one another.
The organization, which describes itself as being dedicated to democracy and upholding the Constitution, hopes to use the gathering to show that the country is “ONE nation” and to stand together for equality, freedom, and history.
The statement also highlighted a specific concern regarding the recent relocation of National Archive Records and the closure of certain centers. Vance and group organizers expressed fear that these moves could be used as a means to “lose uncomfortable historical records.”
Saturday’s event follows a series of previous demonstrations held in Ocala and the surrounding areas since President Donald J. Trump took office for his second term.
On May 9, the Ocala Blue Dots and other local Democrat organizations hosted the “Stop The Clown & End The Show” protest. Approximately 40 individuals gathered at the downtown square for that event.
Following the May demonstration, organizers lamented the smaller turnout and indicated that more promotion would be done in the lead-up to future events.
The May turnout represented a decline from the “No Kings 3.0” protest held on March 28, which saw hundreds of individuals line the streets of downtown Ocala.
On the day of President Trump’s visit to the area, while hundreds of protestors gathered in The Villages in opposition, local demonstrators posted signs over Interstate 75 in Ocala.
Other demonstrations were also held earlier in the year on January 17 and January 25.
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