Resistance Rising in Southwest Florida: Protesters Tell Donalds to Put People First

Peaceful protesters outside Byron Donalds' office in Naples on March 4, 2025

Naples, FL – March 4, 2025

By Danika Joy Fornear

A powerful wave of grassroots activism swept through Naples on Monday as over 150 concerned Floridians gathered outside Congressman Byron Donalds’ office for the Save Our Democracy March 4th protest. Waving American flags and holding signs demanding action, protesters sent a clear message: Florida’s 19th Congressional District will not stand by as their rights, healthcare, and local governance come under attack.

The demonstration, organized by community advocates, drew a diverse crowd of working families, retirees, and young activists united by a shared goal—to ensure their representative prioritizes his constituents over partisan politics. Despite the passionate turnout, the event remained peaceful, with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office’s Protest Squad present in highly visible red shirts, standing by patiently.

March 4 peaceful protesters rally passerbys outside Byron Donalds' office

At the heart of the demonstration was a letter addressed to Congressman Donalds, which most of the attendees eagerly signed. The letter outlined key concerns, including federal overreach, threats to Medicare and Medicaid, and legislative actions that could harm working families in Southwest Florida. Protesters urged Donalds to reject policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of everyday Floridians and to instead fight for the district’s economic stability and healthcare security.

Public letter to Rep. Byron Donalds asking to curb executive overreach signed by over 100 participants in the March 4 peaceful protest

The letter, presented for public signature, read in part:

“Congressman Donalds, you were not elected to be a yes-man to President Trump or any other figurehead. Your job is to represent us—the people of Florida’s 19th District. We urge you to listen to our voices, not just the most powerful voices in your party, and to stand up to whoever you have to, to improve our Florida way of life.”

The demonstration wasn’t just about making demands—it was also about fostering community and strengthening the movement. After the protest, many attendees gathered at Ankrolab Brewing Co. for a social hour, where they connected with members of Americans United for Separation of Church and State – Naples. Conversations over locally brewed craft beer centered on the urgent need for continued activism, voter engagement, and the fight to uphold the constitutional separation of church and state.

As the 2025 legislative session moves forward, organizers vowed that this protest was only the beginning. With increasing political pressure on social safety nets and personal freedoms, the people of Florida’s 19th District made it clear: they will not be silent, they will not be ignored, and they will continue to fight for policies that serve the people—not just the elite.

To be clear, this was a local, organic, grassroots protest. It was not "astroturfed" as Donalds alluded to in comments after the event.

For more information on upcoming events and ways to join the resistance, check out Save Our Democracy Corps’ website: https://www.save-our-democracy.com.