Organizers for the Ocala Blue Dots have announced that the upcoming “No Kings 3.0” protest later this month will start earlier to protect elderly participants from rising temperatures.
The “Day of National Defiance” demonstration, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, will now take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Organizers stated that the decision to move the event to an earlier timeframe was made in part at the request of elderly members who cited hot temperatures during the most recent demonstration.
During that protest on February 21, protesters lined East Silver Springs Boulevard with banners in protest of President Donald J. Trump, his administration, and his policies. The gathering coincided with a voter registration drive held by the Marion County Democratic Party on the square.
Since the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January during ICE-involved shootings, the group has maintained a consistent presence downtown.
The upcoming March event marks at least the fourth demonstration of 2026, with the group having gathered for similar events on January 17 and January 25.
The movement has also seen participation from local youth, including a campus protest led by students at West Port High School on Feb. 6.
While the upcoming March 28 event returns to the traditional downtown location, organizers are urging supporters to spread the word about the new morning start time to ensure the safety of all attendees…