Protesters across the country, including in the Tampa Bay area, gathered on Presidents' Day to voice their opposition to the Trump administration's policies. Demonstrations took place from St. Petersburg to Tampa to Sarasota as part of a nationwide movement highlighting controversial and contentious issues on this first Presidents' Day since Trump took office. In Sarasota, the "Not My Presidents' Day" rally drew hundreds to Bayfront Park, where they protested for four hours. Protesters carried signs as they chanted against President Trump and his allies. "We are protesting Trump and Elon Musk and their behavior towards the American Constitution and the American rule of law," protest organizer Carol Evans said. Many attendees expressed a sense of duty in speaking out especially in light of the country's history with civil rights. "I didn't think I had a choice. This is my responsibility for those that went before me," Hatti Brown said. With signs in hand, demonstrators opposed several policies, including Trump's immigration plans and ongoing ICE enforcement. "A lot of our students are afraid to come to school now, and that is not acceptable in the United States of America. Everybody has a right to attend school," Sarasota teacher Paula Raymond said. Some protesters also voiced concerns over the influence of Elon Musk. "With the plans that Trump has and Elon Musk, who's really calling the shots, they're going to destroy our constitution and our democracy," Terra Cater, also one of the rally's organizers, added. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/not-my-presidents-day-protest-trump-sarasota/67-6fd0ec94-452b-46c3-b28a-7e5a7adcf0d5