Puerto Ricans in Jacksonville planning Saturday rally to celebrate governor's ousting

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Puerto Ricans living in Jacksonville were up late watching as the news from their island unfolded.

Many celebrated at home but are now bracing for what’s to come.

There’s a huge nexus between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico.

Not only do many Puerto Ricans call Jacksonville home but Jaxport is the island’s biggest trading partner on the mainland.

Thursday, Puerto Ricans woke up to a new era, one they hope is filled with a brighter future.

Local activist Maria Garcia, whose parents are Puerto Rican, organized protests in Jacksonville. She’s organizing another rally Saturday at Friendship Fountain that she called a “celebration/next steps” gathering.

Garcia stayed up late last night to witness history unfold on her beloved island.

“In Puerto Rican fashion, I had a water bottle next to my bed and something like a pen or something and I just started banging on the water bottle,” Garcia said. “I was really happy.”

Happiness is just one of the many emotions Puerto Ricans felt soon as Gov. Ricardo Roselló announced his resignation in a prerecorded message.

It comes after more than a week of islandwide protests and demonstrations outside of Puerto Rico as well, including in Jacksonville.

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“I was proud of the people of my island, proud of the diaspora,” Garcia said.

But she admits the fight is not over.

“We want to see a real end to the corruption,” said Garcia.

Many Puerto Ricans including Garcia don’t want to see more of the same and believe that’s what they’re getting if likely successor Justice Secretary Wanda Vasquez assumes the governorship.

“Whoever comes up next to step up needs to take, basically, take the lead, stand up for the Puerto Rican people,” Garcia said.

Puerto Rico faces an uncertain future, but one thing is for sure, its people both on and off the island will not give up.

Saturday’s rally begins at 11 a.m.

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Cox Media Group