FORT MYERS, Fla. — Southwest Floridians expressed their first amendment right, as they rallied in Fort Myers calling for an end to what they call a lockdown.
Protestors urged political leaders to reopen Florida from 10 am-12 pm at the intersection of Six Mile Cypress and Colonial.
The rally’s coordinator, Renee Williams, says this rally is for the millions of unemployed Americans, now struggling to make ends meet.
“They can’t go to work, they haven’t received a stimulus check, they can’t get their unemployment so this is for them, ” said Williams.
In an effort to reopen Florida, she says people should be given the choice.
“If you want to stay at home stay at home. If you are immune comprised stay at home. If you are not and you want to go back to work, get back to work,” said Renee Williams.
One protestor mentions earlier predictions COVID-19 cases and how she says those numbers have drastically decreased.
“When it is changed we need to reevaluate, ” said Daniella Dye.
Lee County recently reopened some parks.
Commissioner Brian Hamman - who is also on the governor’s task force to reopen Florida - says they are not a rush to reopen businesses and beaches, as they want to ensure the safety of the community.
“We are not just going to reopen overnight, its something that we need to plan for and something that we’ll need to phase in,” said Commissioner Hamman.
He says there first must be a consistent decrease in cases of COVID-19.
“We need to see a constant downward trend, ” said Commissioner Brian Hamman.
Medical professionals recommend following CDC guidelines, but this group says they won’t stop here, hosting another protest at Edison mall on Wednesday.
