The first round of rallies boasted record participation earlier this year.
By Klaus Obermeit
Original Air Date: October 15, 2025
Host: It’s going to be not one but six of them. “No Kings” protests in Sarasota and Manatee County are taking shape this Saturday, and Klaus Obermeit has a preview.
Klaus Obermeit: This Saturday, October 18, promises to be a day of political activism locally, across the country and internationally.
No Kings 2.0 is planned as a follow-up to the No Kings rallies against hate and authoritarianism held June 14. This time, close to 2,500 venues are planned across the country and in some international locations. Locally, six events are scheduled for Saturday morning, from West Bradenton to University Town Center, downtown Sarasota, Venice, Englewood and North Port.
On the other side of the political spectrum, the Republican Party of Sarasota is hosting a Tribute to Charlie Kirk at Robards arena at 11 a.m, with several Republican leaders scheduled to speak. It has been suggested on Facebook that the No Kings rally add sign holders on Fruitville Road on the way to Robards Arena.
This dichotomy of viewpoints is evident in nokings.org’s description of the purpose of these events:
“President Trump’s attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power. Now, he’s doubling down—sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle. This isn’t just politics. It’s democracy versus dictatorship. And together, we’re choosing democracy.”
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men (and women) do nothing.” Photo by Mason Chambless
The Bradenton event will be at 5584 Cortez Rd. West from 10 until noon in front of the Big Lots store. The University Town Center event will be on the south side of University Parkway in front of the Target parking lot at 101 North Cattlemen Road from 9 to 11 a.m.
The downtown Sarasota event will be from 9 a.m. until noon at Payne Park one block east of US 301, just south of the six-story Sarasota Police Department headquarters building. Sign wavers will also be positioned at US 301 and Ringling Blvd. and US 301 and Main Street. The June 14 rally was held at Bayfront Park on US-41, but that venue is not available this time.
The Venice rally will be from 10 to noon in Michael Biehl Park at the corner of Tampa Avenue and US-41.
Englewood’s rally is from 9 to 10:30 at East Dearborn Street and North Indiana Avenue.
In North Port, the rally will be from 9:30 to 11 in front of the CocoPlain Shopping Center.
This is Klaus Obermeit, reporting for WSLR News.
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