'Good Trouble Lives On' protests: Nearly 50 Florida cities were expected to participate
‘Good Trouble’ protests honor John Lewis, rally against Trump
Demonstrators gathered across Central Florida and around the country Wednesday to honor the late Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his death, reviving his call to make "good trouble" in the fight for justice and equality.
ORLANDO, Fla. - "Good Trouble Lives On" protests took place across the country on Thursday, including in Central Florida. Nearly 50 Florida cities were expected to host the national day of action protests in response to "the attacks on our civil and human rights" by Donald Trump's administration.
What are the 'Good Trouble Lives On' protests?
What we know:
"Good Trouble Lives On" protests took place across the United States on Thursday, including many in Central Florida
The protests were part of a national day of action in response to what organizers say are "attacks on civil and human rights by the Trump administration." This includes actions against the dismantling of environmental protections, restrictions on voting rights and attacks on reproductive freedoms, according to organizers.
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The day also fell on the same day that Rep. John Lewis died five years ago in 2020. Lewis was a major leader in the 1960s civil rights movement. He was an original Freedom Rider and an organizer of the March on Washington in 1963.
"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America," Lewis said in 2020 while commemorating the 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Protestors demonstrate at a 'Hands Off!' protest against the Trump administration on April 5, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Protests against Trump administration policies and Elon Musk's Department of Government
‘Across America, let’s make good trouble'
What they're saying:
One of the largest events locally took place outside Orlando City Hall, where activists stood shoulder to shoulder for hours, chanting, cheering and waving signs denouncing former President Trump’s policies. The protest was part of a coordinated national day of action in Lewis’ name.
"We need to get in trouble now. Good trouble now because the crisis is here," said participant Maria Matos. "It’s not coming. It’s not months away. It’s here now."
Organizers also used the event to encourage civic participation. Volunteers moved through the crowd helping people register to vote.
"I’ve never voted before in my life. I’ve never protested," said organizer Cory Hill. "This is my first time feeling called to take action."
Orlando Police officers, including Chief Eric Smith, were present across the street, monitoring the event, which remained peaceful. The department later shared photos of its pre-protest briefing.
"Let us protect the peaceful ways to resolve our differences," Hill added, "because the alternative is too awful to imagine."
"To see this. See all these different faces — old faces, young faces, Black, white, Hispanics — coming together and making sure that they know Orlando is united. We will not be divided. America needs to be the same way said participant Vanessa Sotomayor.
Protests taking place across the country, in Florida
Local perspective:
According to the "Good Trouble Lives On" website, nearly 50 protests (including multiple in the same city) were planned across Florida.
Tallahassee, Florida, hosted a youth summit and two protests — one at the Historic Capitol and another at the Old Capitol.
Local Central Florida protests took place at locations including:
- Altamonte Springs
- Celebration
- Clermont
- Davenport
- DeLand
- Melbourne
- Mount Dora
- Orlando
- Palm Coast
Nation's 4th wide-scale protest of the year
Big picture view:
The "Good Trouble Lives On" protests are also taking place at more than 1,600 locations across the country. Major protests are planned in Atlanta and St. Louis, as well as Oakland, California, and Annapolis, Maryland. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the events.
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The "Good Trouble Lives On" protests mark the nation's fourth wide-scale protest of the year.
The most recent wide-scale protest was "No Kings Day" on June 14. The protests coincided with Trump’s military parade, commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also happened to be the president’s birthday and Flag Day. Demonstrators rallied in almost 2,000 cities, with several protests held across Central Florida.
'No Kings Day' protests break out across Central Florida
"No Kings Day" protests are being held nationwide this weekend to protest President Donald Trump’s policies. The protests coincide with Trump’s military parade, commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also happens to be the president’s birthday and Flag Day. Demonstrators are expected to rally in almost 2,000 cities, with several protests being held in Central Florida.
What's next:
Organizers say they plan to continue hosting similar rallies in Lewis’ honor. No counter-protesters were reported at Wednesday night’s event in Orlando.
The Source: This story was written based on information gathered from the official "Good Trouble Lives On" website and previous reporting.