George Floyd Protests

About 1,000 protesters gathered at the Collier County courthouse for a "We Can’t Breathe" rally on June 10 in solidarity with George Floyd protests occurring around the world. The demonstration was organized by The Hippie Circle and Showing Up for Racial Justice SWFL, commonly known as SURJ.

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers will continue the theatre company’s “The Best Seat in Your House” virtual performance series June 11 with a special production of three brief, but powerful and timely one-act plays that explore themes including the impacts of systemic racism, racial profiling, implicit bias, police brutality, generational trauma, and equity.

Community organizers in Collier County are preparing for a We Can’t Breathe rally taking place Wednesday, June 10. Organizers say the demonstration will not only focus on the voices of the county’s youth, but will also inform them on how to effectively bring about the social reform they seek.

As demonstrations continue throughout the nation, about 200 protesters gathered again in downtown Fort Myers Saturday afternoon for a peaceful demonstration against police brutality, racial injustice and racial profiling.

In Collier County, demonstrations against police brutality in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, have remained mostly peaceful. Local protest organizers as well as the Collier County Sheriff’s Office say they want to keep demonstrations safe for all parties involved.