JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 2,000 people marched through Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood Wednesday evening in a demonstration responding to the death of George Floyd, who died in the custody of Minneapolis police.
At 5 p.m., police officers were seen in the area of San Marco Square. Demonstrators began arriving at Southside Park at about 6 p.m.
For nearly an hour, demonstrators marched down Hendricks Avenue and then onto San Marco Boulevard, where they continued through residential areas. Neighbors handed out water and fruit to people who were walking.
“I think it’s amazing," said Kaylin Peavie, a demonstrator. "We have a great turnout. There are so many people out here. I’m thankful they are supporting us and our movement.”
Some people told News4Jax they hope the younger generation learns from the experience.
“I hope that they just realize it’s time to show the police that it’s time to handle things peacefully," said Hanna Soto, a demonstrator.
Ahead of the scheduled march, businesses in the area were seen boarding windows.
“We’re removing stuff from the front windows. We’re closing a little early," said Brittney Patty, a store owner. "We’re just taking precautions.”
There were no reports of damage during the demonstration.