Student walkouts were planned for Thursday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at at least nine colleges, high schools and universities in Florida, according to Students for Freedom, a newly created coalition of student organizations, and Dream Defenders, a racial justice organization formed in the wake of the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford in 2012. Its a dirty political smear attempt, and people who say things like this arent fooling anyone. Ron DeSantis' press secretary is facing massive backlash after she sent tweets Sunday night questioning whether pro-Nazi demonstrations in Orlando over the weekend were organized by Democratic staffers. . This is our future., DeSantis gives control of Reedy Creek to state, with a handpicked board of Republicans including one of his largest donors, Florida House Speaker backs Gov. She said she immigrated to the United States from Santiago, Cuba in 1961. No Severe Weather Alerts in Your Area Sign Up to Get Future Alerts. Multiple Central Florida officials posted on social media condemning the gatherings. T'Yonna Major, the 9-year old girl who was killed during a series of shootings in Orlando, Florida last week. This is going way overboard. Students elsewhere in the state have also organized protests against the state's attacks on transgender healthcare. After immigrating to the United States as young adults, they said it was important to them to use their freedom to speak out against the Cuban regime in support of those in Cuba who are putting themselves at risk to do the same. (Orlando Sentinel - Exclusive). The Orlando protest movement erupted in earnest on May 29. This is our Florida. Dozens of Central Florida residents braved a thunderstorm Friday evening to protest the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade at the Renaissance Theatre Company by Orlando's Loch . AMANDA: THESE ARE PHOTOS OF ONE OF AT LEAST TWO ANTI-SEMITIC RALLIES IN CENTRAL FLORIDAHIS T PAST WEEKEND. (Javad Parsa) COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Norway's energy minister on Wednesday canceled a trip to the U.K. because of a protest against a wind . 14, 2021 ORLANDO, Fla. Waving Cuban flags and chanting, a large group of demonstrators calling for liberty for Cuba blocked South Semoran Boulevard early Tuesday evening. "These Democrats who are trying to use this as some type of political issue, to try to smear me as if I had something to do with it. In Cuba, thousands of protesters have taken to the streets because of a lack of food and medicine amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ron DeSantis and his policies concerning higher education. ORLANDO, Fla. Pro-choice supporters started off Independence Day at the Orange County Courthouse holding up signs and chanting my body, my choice.. Ezzy Castro is a multimedia journalist on News 6's morning team who has a passion for telling the stories of the people in the Central Florida community. "The Orange County Sheriff's Office deplores hate speech in any form, but people have the First Amendment right to demonstrate," a release stated. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Her 24-year-old granddaughter, Tiffany Rodriguez, attended the demonstration with her and the two carried signs with the same message: they want to see a free Cuba in their lifetimes. It came to a case that someone got hurt. 'We're not shutting up.' According to OCSO, the group left the area and no arrests were made. ORLANDO, Fla. Neo-Nazi demonstrations in Orlando over the weekend drew bipartisan condemnations from state and local officials, but Gov. We knew that that was likely going to be what was decided in that case. Several Florida lawmakers spoke out after Friday's ruling, including Governor Ron DeSantis, who said the "prayers of millions upon millions of Americans" have been answered. He released the following statement: "The prayers of millions have been answered. UCF cannot stand by and even though theyre afraid, too they cant just bow to our governor, said Solomon. And this is nothing new. Rep. Anna Eskamani called on "every political leader in Florida to condemn" the gatherings. People spoke, marched, and stayed out long into the night to have their voices heard. "In order to protect our local businesses from acts like this that occurred in the Millenia Mall area, Mayor Dyer has been in communication with other mayors and he decided this morning that a curfew will be enacted in the City of Orlando from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.," he added. On Feb. 13, President Sandu outlined what she claimed was an alleged plot by Moscow to overthrow the government in order to put the nation at the disposal of Russia, and to derail it from its course to one day join the 27-nation E.U. Be the first to know with email alerts on important breaking stories from the Orlando Sentinel newsroom. NEWS OF THE RALLIES SET OFF A CASCADE OF REACTNSIO ON SOCIAL MEDIA. One of Floridas faculty unions, however, cautioned faculty against joining the walkout today, at least if they were scheduled to teach. In a previous joint statement, the police, city and Board of Education said they condemn and will not tolerate acts of violence against any community members, especially our children.. Kids are getting jumped, fights every day, knives every day, Deleon said. Frustrated students cried themselves hoarse blaming the stabbing of the fifth grader on the school districts alleged inaction against violence. Hes getting rid of teachers, professors and faculty that look like us and support us. MORE. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV. Ron DeSantis had not released a statement condemning the rallies. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. From our partners at Spectrum News 13, protesters block Semoran Boulevard in a show of solidarity with those protesting in Cuba. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel). ORLANDO, Fla. The deadline is approaching for Orange County employees to get vaccinated or risk termination. Fighting ones own people is the last refuge of tyrants and the beginning of their downfall, Shor, who is named on a U.S. State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests, said in a statement Tuesday. Ron DeSantis has ALWAYS condemned anti-Semitic attacks & hatred, and he always will. Doing so could be considered a strike under Florida law. People in Orlando took to the streets on Monday in protest of the U.S. Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v Wade. Orlando, FL 32801. Later in the day, at a news conference in Palm Beach County, DeSantis angrily denounced attempts to tie him and the Republican Party to the Nazi protesters. The American Association of University Professors, a nonprofit membership association, has called DeSantis attacks on diversity programs extremely dangerous.. ", COMPLETE COVERAGE: Roe v. Wade overturned. "To suggest otherwise is just plain wrong.". 69. Firefighters and other employees gathered Saturday in downtown Orlando to protest the mandate. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando. Wendy Deleons 11-year-old daughter has been too scared to return to school. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Gov. Others shared personal stories and future fears over the ruling. Students at Rollins College, a private college in Winter Park near Orlando, planned a walkout today in solidarity with their peers. The video has racked up more than 2.7 million views so far. As the COVID-19 delta variant was surging, the mayor announced the vaccine would be required for employees by the end of September. Check out The Morning News to get the latest news, weather and traffic in Central Florida. The security guard has to come and stop all the fights, said middle school student Brieanne Mestre. Across America, weve seen a heartbreaking & disgusting rise in hate like this. ", Rep. Val Demmings wrote: "Yesterday neo-Nazis rallied in Orlando. The Downtown Orlando march comes a day after at least 17 people were arrested by Orlando police in protests, demonstrations and break-ins across Central Florida. All rights reserved. The march came hours after looting and vandalism was reported in the Mall at Millenia area. ", The governor "has ALWAYS condemned antisemitic attacks & hatred, and he always will," Pushaw tweeted. "It is against the law to obstruct highway traffic or hang signs on the overpasses and violators will be prosecuted," the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles tweeted.Multiple Central Florida officials posted on social media condemning the gatherings. Her comments drew widespread condemnation from elected officials as well as a prominent South Florida . The demonstrators, wearing Nazi garb, protested at an intersection near the University of Central Florida on Saturday and on a highway overpass on Sunday. At least two gatherings were . The mother "said she woke up to T'Yonna Major yelling "HE SHOT ME!" as she ran . By properly interpreting the Constitution, the Dobbs majority has restored the people's role in our republic and a sense of hope that every life counts. Gov. University of Central Florida students cheer UCF graduate and former state legislator Carlos Guillermo Smith as he delivers remarks during a . Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper said the new 15-week abortion ban, signed in April by Florida Gov. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000. Rabbi Yosef Konikov with Chabad of South Orlando said last week a group gathered outside their property for hours. I believe its unsafe personally, but I also believe that people should have a choice, said protester Willie Montague. After arriving at the OPD headquarters, chants of "No justice, no peace! The Shor Party also initiated a series of anti-government protests which last fall rocked Moldova a European Union-candidate member since last June as it struggled to manage an acute energy crisis after Moscow dramatically reduced natural gas supplies. To suggest otherwise is just plain wrong. Florida has a rich history of protest against racism in higher education. She cited the example of a Republican group opposed to former President Donald Trump that said it was responsible for five people appearing with tiki torches at a Charlottesville, Virginia, stop for the GOP candidate for governor. We've heard from the professors this has impacted, and I really haven't heard from the students that this affects. READ: Firefighters protest against Orange County vaccine mandate. Demonstrations there have been the largest since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, some have said. One person was arrested for unlawful assembly, an Orlando police spokesperson said. ORLANDO, Fla. . It is the second anti-government rally held in Chisinau in two weeks and comes amid growing concerns of attempts to destabilize Moldova, Ukraines neighbor. We know that theyre scared and theyre struggling right now, but I know that if we continue this fight, theyre gonna be free, Pacheco said. "The group, assembled on public property, was reported by witnesses to be wearing clothing with 'Nazi' insignia and yelling profanities and anti-Semitic slurs at vehicles passing by," a release from OCSO stated. Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Democratic Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other elected leaders issued statements declaring that antisemitism and hatred have no place in Florida. Firefighters and other employees gathered Saturday in downtown Orlando to. ", Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried called the Supreme Court's ruling "a tragic day for women in America" while Florida Senator Rick Scott tweeted "Today #LifeWins!". Local Democratic lawmakers said they were appalled by the demonstrations and urged Republican Gov. Gov. But America beat their disturbing ideology before and we'll do it again. "Today, one of our primary concerns is vandalism to our local businesses," said Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, during an afternoon news conference, where he addressed looting near the Mall at Millenia and announced a curfew. He is charged with third-degree-murder and manslaughter. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WESH-TV. Video: Vaccine mandate protesters prepare for recall effort against Orange County mayor, WATCH: Volusia sheriff interrupts radio interview to assist in high-speed pursuit on I-95, Impeded access to Central Florida nude beach leads to unexpected encounters, Breeze Airways adds 4 new routes from Orlando International Airport, Man sentenced to 40 years in prison after Orange County mother killed during attempted carjacking, Buc-ees receives approval for new Central Florida location; heres where it will be. Authorities from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol said in a statement that they and sheriff's deputies had disbanded the group on the overpass Sunday. Ron DeSantis though vowed to appeal the ruling during a stop in Central Florida last week. Hundreds of people gathered at Lake Eola on Sunday afternoon to protest the deadly arrest of George Floyd. He said Florida law enforcement agencies were trying to determine who the demonstrators were because they violated state law by hanging banners from overpasses. Ron DeSantis to condemn the demonstrators. The courts overturning of the landmark court ruling is likely to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. Hundreds of students across Florida walked out Thursday in protest against Gov. Orange County in central Florida is home to the nation's biggest theme park resorts. A second gathering was reported at the Daryl Carter Parkway overpass on I-4. I joined the Eyewitness News team as a reporter in 2006. Earlier this month, the UCF student government also passed a resolution opposing Floridas Stop WOKE Act, arguing that it restricts academic freedom. Subscribe now to get the latest news delivered right to your inbox. + Caption. Its sad, said high school student Leeah Gutierrez. SEN. RICK SCOTT TWEETED,TH "E HATEFUL & ANTI-SEMITIC DEMONSTRATIONS REPORTED IN FLORIDA TODAY HAVE NO PLACE IN OUR STATE." This is actually my first time participating in a event like this and Im here because if I dont fight for my rights, who is, Kayla Torres said. Marina Tauber the vice-president of Moldova's Russia-friendly Shor Party speaks during a protest initiated by the Movement for the People and members of Moldova's Russia-friendly Shor Party, against the pro-Western government and low living standards, in Chisinau, Moldova, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. The former officer was seenkneeling on Floyd's neck as he struggled to breathe, Derek Chauvin,is in custody. Wilfredo Lee/AP. "It's scary, as a woman, to realize that if something is done against your will, you're still going to be held responsible for that, potentially," one person told FOX 35 News. But if it doesnt happen this way, its not going to happen ever.. Being quiet no longer works. The demonstrations took place a week after antisemitic flyers were distributed to hundreds of homes in two South Florida cities with large Jewish populations. Ron DeSantis were no fools, we wont let you run our schools! #CANTBANUS at FIU pic.twitter.com/zTHqaJakxM, Hes banning books and flags in classrooms everywhere. Students at the University of South Florida rallied for LGBTQ rights on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, an event that led organizers to help plan Thursday's statewide protest of Gov. AS FORHE T PROTESTS, LAW ENFORCEMENT SAY NO ARRESTS WERE MADE, BUT THE DEMONSTRATORWERES TOLD TO LEAVE THE HIGHWAY OVERPASS BECAUSE GATHERINGN O ONE IS ILLEGAL. Parents say the district rarely notifies them about acts of violence and that their calls for metal detectors and backpack searches have fallen on deaf ears. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. In response, some in the crowd were pepper-sprayed by officers. UPDATED 9:52 AM ET Jul. McKenzie King, who's from Texas, said the right to an abortion was something that let her family make a hard decision that ultimately let them succeed, she said. As a historian, Im in heaven right now, Paul Ortiz, a University of Florida professor whos president of his UFF chapter, told the Tampa Bay Times. The video has racked up more than 2.7 million views so far. OR IS THIS A STUNT LIKE THE WHITE NATIONALISTS WHO CRAEDSH THE YOUNGKIN RALLY IN CHARLOTTESVILLE AND TURNED OUT TO BE DEMOCRATIC STAFFE? You know what they say about history repeating itself. Copyright 2023 ClickOrlando.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. All rights reserved. The demonstrators, wearing Nazi garb, protested at an intersection near the University of Central Florida on Saturday and on a highway overpass on Sunday. Copyright 2023 WCBS via CNN Newsource. Im so grateful for that decision but I also know that this is a long fight theres not easy fix to protect abortion access in this country or in Florida, said Anna Eskamani, Orlando representative and former Planned Parenthood senior director. RELATED: 'Hateful': Anti-Semitic flyers found outside hundreds of South Florida homes, "I along with the Orange County Sheriffs Office deplore any type of hate speech," Mina tweeted. Social media rumors circulated the day prior alleging the now-former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing Floyd owned a. Anti-protest bill passes in Florida Senate on party lines, even after emotional testimony from Black lawmakers By Dara Kam, NSF on Wed, Apr 14, 2021 at 1:00 am Send a News Tip 2023 FOX Television Stations, from WED 3:26 AM EST until WED 9:00 AM EST, Orange County, Osceola County, Florida lawmakers spoke out after Friday's ruling, Florida man high on meth gets life for DUI crash that killed 2 girls, grandfather, Wreckage of US Navy submarine from World War II found off Japans coast, Affidavit details moments around deadly shootings of Orlando journalist, 9-year-old girl, Iran rattled over suspected poisoning of hundreds of schoolgirls, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, Video shows moment deputies say Florida teacher's aide is knocked unconscious by student upset she took Switch, Cold front to drop temps into the 40s, 50s after sizzling week in Central Florida, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Lakefront chaos: Man on jet ski arrested for allegedly slapping 68-year-old woman, Matanzas High student to be charged as adult in attack against teacher's aid: court docs. Ron DeSantis went on the offensive Thursday afternoon in support of Florida's 15-week abortion ban hours after ruled he would block the restriction on reproductive rights in the state. RELATED: Orange County deputies investigating fight involving demonstrators wearing Nazi symbols, yelling anti-Semitic slurs. By Don't shoot!" While it is not clear what will happen to the person arrested in Orlando, language of the new law requires a person arrested for unlawful assembly to be held in custody until first appearance., From our partners at Spectrum News 13, protesters block part of Semoran Boulevard on Tuesday night - demonstrating in solidarity with those protesting in Cuba. The string of protests around the state is bringing Gov. We must always condemn it & continue to stand strongly with our Jewish communities."Rep. The ruling stripped away womens constitutional protections for abortion, a fundamental and deeply personal change for Americans lives after nearly a half-century under Roe v. Wade. 'Nazi' protests held over the weekend condemned in Florida January 31, 2022 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) More than a dozen self-proclaimed Nazis yelled antisemitic slogans outside a Florida shopping plaza and waved a swastika flag from a highway overpass before authorities broke them up over the weekend. Ron DeSantis had not released a statement condemning the rallies.DeSantis Press Secretary Christina Pushaw responded: "Gov. Ezzy worked at WFOR CBS4 in South Florida and KBMT in Beaumont, Texas, where she covered Hurricane Harvey in 2017. RELATED:Orlando police officers clear protesters off State Road 408, reopen lanes. Being born over there, we know the difference, Moles said. News reporter for Orlando Weekly, covering general news, local government, labor, housing, and other social and economic justice issues. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. When students are telling me theyre protesting for the right to learn more, this is the moment Ive waited for my whole life., This is our education. Hundreds of peaceful protesters blocked a part of Semoran Boulevard near Curry Ford Road for about an hour Tuesday evening in solidarity with demonstrations being held in Cuba this week. Orlando mayor, Orange County sheriff condemn hateful demonstrations ORLANDO, Fla. - More than a dozen self-proclaimed Nazis yelled antisemitic slogans outside a Central Florida shopping plaza. Ron DeSantis is wreaking on Florida schools: Orlando Weekly Daily newsletter. ORLANDO, Fla. - More than a dozen self-proclaimed Nazis yelled antisemitic slogans outside a Florida shopping plaza and waved a swastika flag from a highway overpass before authorities broke them up over the weekend. The SIS said that the pair were actively monitoring and documenting social and political processes in Moldova, including protests it said were organized in the capital by certain political forces.. From our partners at Spectrum News 13, protesters block Semoran Boulevard in a show of solidarity with those protesting in Cuba. DeSantis has also threated to fine local government for requiring vaccines with up to $5,000 for each incident. Thousands of protesters returned to Moldova's capital Tuesday to demand that the country'snew pro-Western governmentfully subsidize citizens' winter energy bills amid skyrocketing inflation. Hundreds of high schoolers walked out of class Monday morning and marched to Samuel Shull Middle School. "These arent 'genuine questions.' Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. Were not anti-vaxxers or anti-masker. Fair. "It is against the law to obstruct highway traffic or hang signs on the overpasses and violators will be prosecuted," according to the statement. Hes running for Congress in District 10, which happens to be Val Demings seat. (Katie Rice/Orlando Sentinel). could be heard. Students say they want the superintendent, the Board of Education and the mayor to hear their cries. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel). A Florida judge described Stop WOKE, aka the Individual Freedom bill, as positively dystopian.. All rights reserved. Floridas new abortion law went into effect on July 1, which bans most abortions at 15 weeks, though Judge John C. Cooper of the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Tallahassee ruled the law is unconstitutional. Montegue has his own political ambitions. The torches were reminiscent of those carried by white supremacists who descended on the city in 2017. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. As a police commander I saw similar rallies, and I also saw that for every Nazi there were a hundred Floridians there to stand up for what's right. Were simply saying that individuals who, especially the employees, and people that work for the county for almost 18 to 20 years, should have a choice., WATCH: Orange County school buses overcrowded due to driver shortage, leaving students to sit on the floor. Students at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, the state's largest public university by enrollment, joined a statewide walkout on Thursday in protest of education policies and. Meanwhile, two of Florida's candidates for U.S. Senate gave their takes on the ruling. Across America, weve seen a heartbreaking & disgusting rise in hate like this. Well send you a handful of interesting Orlando stories every morning. March 01, 2023 at 6:12 am EST. protests have emerged in the Orlando area. To help difuse tension, Chief Rolon was joined by Orange County Sheriff John Mina in takinga kneewith the protesters outside of the OPD headquarters to talk about outrage caused by Floyd's death. During Saturday's demonstration, some participants got into a fight with a passerby, but no arrests were made and an investigation is ongoing, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Parents, students and teachers gathered again Monday night outside City Hall to make their frustrations known. Smailyn is out of the intensive care unit and in stable condition, according to his family. Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 2:35 pm. Despite the turnout on Monday, pro-life supporters also came out to spread their message. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed HB 5 into law, a measure banning Florida doctors from performing abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. PUSHAW TWEETED, "DO WE EVEN KNOW THEYRE NAZIS? The hundreds who had assembled at Lake Eola then proceededto City Hall before continuing down South Street to theOrlando Police Department's headquarters. But America beat their disturbing ideology before and we'll do it again. Faculty all across the country affiliated with the American Council of Learned Societies have signed statements in solidarity with their colleagues in Florida. My heart asked me to come here to meet with everyone and be together with my people.. ANTI-SEMITIC MESSASGE AND HEAT FILLED MESSAGES MADE NATIONAL HEADLINES THIS WEEKEND. Show Transcript. He and his people want public schools to be defunded and are making our children less safe every day, the group wrote in a Day of Action Toolkit. Ron DeSantis controversial anti-riot bill signed into law earlier to the forefront. Hes made it harder to protest and harder to vote. People have heard from the politicians who villainized us, made us out to be quote-unquote indoctrinators, Dr. Robert Cassanello, a history professor, plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Stop WOKE Act, and president of the United Faculty of Florida at UCF told students at the time. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until WED 9:00 AM EST, Inland Pasco County, Inland Hillsborough County, Inland Manatee County, Inland Sarasota County, Polk County, Hardee County, DeSoto County, Highlands County, until WED 9:00 AM EST, Coastal Citrus County, Inland Citrus County, Coastal Hernando County, Inland Hernando County, Coastal Pasco, Sumter County, self-proclaimed Nazis yelled antisemitic slogans, 5-year-old killed on Tampa road after falling out of pickup truck, troopers say, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, See the thrilling side of Florida at Canyons Zipline and Adventure Park, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, St. Pete church affordable housing plan faces pushback from nearby neighbors, TPD: Video shows suspected officer impersonator who exposed himself to woman at Tampa hotel, World War II airman from Tampa Bay area identified nearly 80 years after his death, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, Supreme Court hears arguments about Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, Polk County School District will head to Puerto Rico to recruit new teachers, staffers.