PANAMA CITY — The Bay County Democrats are hosting another protest on July 17. The demonstration is called “Good Trouble Lives On” and is part of a nationwide “National Day of Action.” The protests are intended to honor the life and legacy of the late congressman and civil rights advocate John Lewis.
The rally is set to take place at the corner of Highway 77 and 23rd Street at 5 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. A release from the Democrats encourages attendees to bring signs and flags.
“As civil and human rights continue to be threatened by the Trump administration and its allies, this day of action reaffirms our commitment to justice, voting rights, and dignity for all,” reads the release. “Participants will join together to demand protection of fundamental freedoms, access to the ballot box, and an end to attacks on marginalized communities.”
The News Herald reached out to Laura Sturgis, president of the Democratic Women’s Club of Bay County, for more information on what they’re protesting. Sturgis expressed concerns with the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” and the potential implications for Florida and Bay County.
She primarily took issue with cuts to Medicaid and said that most of the effects won’t be felt until after 2026.
“We know that 1 million Floridians may lose their healthcare coverage,” said Sturgis. “They’re expecting 300 rural hospitals will probably immediately close when it goes into effect.”
Sturgis added that those in Bay County who work in the tourism industry will likely struggle to meet the 80-hour a month work requirement for health coverage during the off-season.
“Florida will lose $4 billion per year in federal Medicaid support,” said Sturgis, adding that 19% of Floridians rely on the program.
Sturgis also took issue with SNAP cuts, with the Center for American Progress estimating that 574,000 Floridians could lose access to food assistance. In 2022, 23,697 Bay County residents received SNAP benefits.
She also had concerns with funding freezes and cuts at the Department of Education. Schools in Florida’s 2nd congressional district, which includes Bay County, are at risk of losing $5.6 million in federal support, according to New America.
“I’m already seeing teachers worried, especially teachers that work in special services,” said Sturgis. “The special ed positions, the teachers assistants, they fear these programs will be cut again, disproportionately hurting the students and the families that are already hurting.”
Sturgis was additionally not happy about the tax cuts in the bill, saying that they largely benefit the wealthy. Her group is in the process of purchasing billboards calling out U.S. Reps. Neil Dunn and Jimmy Patronis for their support of the bill. Sturgis said they had been calling them in the time leading up to the vote.
“So we let our voices be heard,” said Sturgis. “They didn’t care. They voted for the bill anyway. We feel like they’re more afraid of Trump and what Trump could do to their careers than (they care about) their constituents.”
She hopes that those who share her concerns will join her at the protest.
“Speak out, defend those who can’t come out, who are marginalized, who are working hard and can’t get off work,” said Sturgis. “So come, come out and help us spread the word that we need to be good to our seniors. We need to be good to our children in Bay County. We don’t need to hurt them here. We need to help them.”
The Bay County Republican Party told the News Herald that they support the changes to SNAP and Medicaid in the bill.
“Every modern American president, Republican and Democrat alike, has supported common-sense changes to these programs,” said a spokesperson. “The Big Beautiful Bill accomplishes what only the far left objects to: reforming programs like SNAP and Medicaid to make sure that these programs aren’t being exploited by people who they were never intended to cover, with the rest of us paying the cost.”
The spokesman criticized the Democrats, claiming they don’t have a serious criticism of the bill.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County Democrats to hold July 17 “Good Trouble Lives On” demonstration
Reporting by Dylan Gentile, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
