Demonstrators take to Jacksonville streets in solidarity with Cuba protests

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Hundreds took to the streets in Jacksonville on Tuesday in solidarity with protests in Cuba.

Demonstrators started at Cuba Libre on Atlantic Boulevard and marched up to the Interstate 95 on-ramp, blocking traffic briefly.

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For the first time in recent memory, Cubans are protesting a 62-year dictatorship on the island that sparked spontaneous protests across the United States as many stood in solidarity.

“I get emotional because it’s the power of people — for the first time, it looks like it is going to happen,” Maria Machin told Action News Jax’s, Robert Grant.

She said she’s hopeful this is the start of the regime’s fall. “I made a promise to my grandfather that I would never step foot under the communist regime. I might be able to see it.”

The regime’s handling of COVID-19 was the last straw for many Cubans, but not what the protests are about.

Cuba is in an economic crisis. There are medicine shortages and limited food.

“They want the opportunity to get their country back. They don’t want anything. They don’t want a handout. They just want freedom. That’s what it is,” a pastor, Juan Carlos Delvalle, said.

He was at 1928 Cuban Bistro in Baymeadows on Tuesday, where dozens more also gathered in solidarity.

Delvalle left the island when he was 27 years old and has been in the U.S. for more than 30 years.

“Everybody is having a hard time eating and surviving. So the fear is gone,” he said.

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Several demonstrators in Miami are organizing boats to travel to Cuba to help with supplies. They are also calling on the U.S. government to step in.

“Cubans don’t have a way to defend themselves. Americans can do something down there,” Delvalle said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released a statement Tuesday evening regarding the recent events:

“This evening response teams from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene of protesters blocking traffic on Interstate 95 near the Downtown-Southbank area. While JSO supports protesters and their right to peacefully take a stand for their cause, the blocking of interstate roadways is an illegal act. Our priority is to maintain public safety at all times for everyone involved. At this time, the scene is secure and remains an active investigation. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident. As the matter is resolved, we will provide further updates.”

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