Thousands across Central Florida took to the streets this past Saturday as part of the nationwide “Hands Off” protest, a sweeping response to the mounting influence of Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. From Orlando to Cocoa, the message was clear: many Americans feel their voices are being silenced—and they’re ready to fight back.
Cities like Ocala, Clermont, Sanford, and DeLand saw strong turnout, with citizens rallying in support of public education, immigrant rights, women’s rights, the economy, working families, Social Security, labor unions, veterans, and healthcare. Protesters also voiced their opposition to efforts they say are undermining black history and efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Hands off our government. Hands off our rights. Hands off our freedoms,” said Daniel McDow, president of the Space Coast Progressive Alliance, echoing the central chant of the day.
The protests, while peaceful, marked a boiling point in a country increasingly divided along political lines. With Elon Musk’s growing involvement in national affairs and Trump’s return to the White House, demonstrators argue that billionaire control and inflammatory rhetoric are becoming normalized threats to democracy.
A.J. Anderson, a protester in Orlando, pointed to the economic strain many Americans are feeling. “His actions in government are isolating us,” said Anderson. “We’re watching the dollar tank. That affects every lower-class person in America.”
In Cocoa, nearly 1,200 people lined King Street and Cocoa Boulevard. In Orlando, thousands filled the space outside City Hall. Even in quieter towns like DeLand, voices rang out through megaphones: “Enough is enough.”
Despite the protests being critical of the Trump Administration, supporters were also present—waving flags and signs in defense of Trump’s policies. The visual clash underscored the national tension felt even in Central Florida’s smallest communities.
“I will tell you, when other people are affected, I’m affected,” said Judith Marber, standing among fellow demonstrators. “We are a society of people who have to care about each other.”
What began as local marches quickly swelled into a national movement. The message? People across the country are paying attention—and they’re not staying quiet.
Anderson put it bluntly: “We were birthed in a democracy, and we will not let it fade into the dark so easily.”
