Thousands turn out in Sarasota for March for Democracy

Jan. 21--SARASOTA -- Thousands of protesters swamped Sarasota's bayfront Saturday for the March for Democracy, echoing the Women's March on its one-year anniversary.

Beginning at noon at the base of the Unconditional Surrender statue at Bayfront Park, speakers rallied the crowd for an hour before the marchers snaked up John Ringling Causeway and back down Gulfstream Avenue with handmade signs, chanting and cheering in a 3.5-mile loop.

"We are trying to get people motivated," said Jenni Casale, an organizer from Action Together Suncoast. "Today is about building people up. Today is like a prep rally to get people motivated for the big game, election day Nov. 6."

More than 25 local groups were involved and worked to register voters. The protest was one of many protests held across the country to commemorate last year's Women's March, which amassed sizable crowds across the nation to protest President Donald Trump's inauguration.

The message also encompassed women's social and reproductive rights, advocacy for immigrants, minorities, and LGBTQ people, environmental protection and other causes.

Protesters were met with supporters in vehicles, many of whom honked their horns as they traveled along the John Ringling Causeway.

Some of the signs hoisted in the air read: "My nana came from a s---hole country," "Orange lives matter" and "It's Mueller time."

"It's cool to be one little voice in so many millions," said Debbie Plume from Bradenton.

"There's more to fight for this year and more to fight against. The people who were on the fence before are no longer on the fence," said Marcia Peterson, who marched last year.

"I came because I feel very strongly about maintaining our democracy," said Donna Pearlman, 73, who marched in last year's demonstration. "I'm old enough to remember the Nixon administration, but Trump frightens me. I was very busy raising my children back then, so politics was never my focus. Now I'm a grandma and I'm concerned with what's happening to the world I'm leaving for my grandchildren."

Organizers said about 7,000 people signed up for this year's march, but some observers said the actual attendance seemed higher than last year's 12,000.

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