Scores attend Fort Myers rally in honor of George Floyd, Minneapolis man

People rallied for a second day near downtown Fort Myers, refusing to be quiet about racial inequality and the death of Minnesotan George Floyd last week.

They carried signs that read "Justice for Floyd,"  "Silence is Complicity," "Police the Police" and "Black Lives Matter." Most wore masks, but quickly abandoned their attempts to social distance under the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines as more people arrived.

Gathering at 2250 Broadway, between the Skatium and the Fort Myers Police Department, 2210 Widman Way, the rally and march end ed with an 6:40 p.m. vigil at the department.

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Saturday's afternoon rally started at Centennial Park before marching down First Street and to the police department.

Sunday's rally was drawing more than 100 people at its beginning, with more than the previous day's 70 or so attendees. Within moments Sunday, a second large group arrived to cheers, nearly doubling the amount and blocking at least one lane of Broadway.

Chantel Rhodes, of Fort Myers organized Sunday's rally with few other people. She said they got an overwhelming amount of support on the idea, so they moved forward.

Rhodes contacted the police before planning the vigil to make them aware of their plans and to let them know they would be peaceful. The police allowed them to peacefully protest on their property.

Once the group arrived, a second group that had been down at the department attempting to climb on police vehicles joined in with the peaceful protest, Rhodes said.

This is not an attack on law enforcement, Rhodes said. They choose to protest at the police department because of police brutality.

"It's a beautiful act of unity," She said.

Gary Snow, of Fort Myers, was also at the protest, but he was there in reference to a black police officer who died in Lakeland, California.

"His life matters, too," Snow said.

In the midst of the protest, Snow's verbal support of police caused some words between him and some of the crowd. Rhodes stepped in and reminded everyone this is a peaceful protest and Snow has every right to be there and speak his mind, just like they can.

Attendee Candace Wilson, of Fort Myers, said she is proud of her city for protesting peacefully. She does not agree with the looting and rioting.

"Civil unjust brings civil unrest," Wilson said.

She said all police officers aren't bad, but they want "swift and equal justice for all, whatever the race." 

The vigil occurred a night after more than a dozen cities issued curfews and states sent in the National Guard after rioters and looters set fires. On a fifth day of civil unrest sweeping the nation, people in Fort Myers rallied on behalf of slain George Floyd of Minneapolis. 

Floyd died May 25, with video cameras recording his death, on a Minneapolis street, a police officer's knee on his neck. The unarmed black man cried out for his mother and told Officer Derek Michael Chauvin that he couldn't breathe.  Chauvin faces third-degree murder and manslaughter charges in connection with Floyd's death.

Cars passing by honked in support as Fort Myers firefighters handed out water to those gathering in the 88-degree weather. 

After an organizer told the crowd that the rally was to remain peaceful, the crowd knelt on one knee. It then rose on the chant "Stand with us."

Members  also chanted "No Justice, no peace," and "George Floyd," and "Mama, I can't breathe." The latter in honor of the last words Floyd spoke. 

They walked along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to past the county courthouse downtown before returning to the police department.   They closed by honoring Floyd with more than 8 minutes of silence. 

 More:Rally brings dozens to Centennial Park in Fort Myers to honor George Floyd

Other SWFL rallies

The Collier County branch of the NAACP plans a "peaceful rally/solidarity demonstration" at 6 p.m. June 10 at the Collier County Courthouse steps, 3315 Tamiami Trail East in Naples. 

Organizers ask those attending the rally, called "We can't breathe", bring their own signs. Those attending may speak on Floyd's death. 

A meetup.com post said there's a Justice for George Floyd rally at 1 p.m. Thursday, demanding justice, equality and the "just prosecution for his murderers".

It gave the Fort Myers Police Department's address, 2210 Widman Way.