JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The heart of Jacksonville buzzed with activity as thousands gathered downtown, many donning inflatable costumes, to participate in the “No Kings” protest.

Centered at the Duval County Courthouse, the event featured impassioned speakers and chants, aligning with similar demonstrations taking place nationwide.

Yet, the protest was as much about the journey as the destination. Participants made a striking visual statement as they marched across the Main Street Bridge en route to the rally.

“I’m here for some fun,” remarked Alayna Puls, clad in an inflatable T-Rex costume. “It’s about expressing my beliefs in a lighthearted way. Goofy meets goofy.”

Typically, Puls is a student at the University of North Florida, but for this day, she assumed the role of a dinosaur.

It was a deliberate choice for her “No Kings Day” outfit, to represent the specific issue she’s protesting.

“I got the stop work order on March 28,” Puls said. “I’ve been out of work since. I’m really passionate about science, and I’m really upset that our program lost its funding.”

Puls was surrounded by thousands of fellow “No Kings Day” protestors, some in similarly kooky costumes, as they marched from the Friendship Fountain, over the Main Street Bridge and through the downtown streets for a rally at the Duval County Courthouse.

“We can say how we feel and what we think about things, and how they’re going,” said Aldonna Warmowski, who says she’s changed her mind since initially voting for Trump. “Things are not going well.”

“It’s my obligation to stand up for what I think is right,” Nina Brown said while crossing over the Main Street Bridge.

“I think it’s beautiful and a wonderful message to send our representatives,” Reverend Monroe said while starting his march. 

There wasn’t a huge counterprotesting presence — although a plane with a Duval for Trump banner flew overhead at the beginning of the march.

The Duval County Republican Party said they weren’t planning any organized counterprotests, but First Coast News caught up with one flying his Trump flag proudly.

 “I think Trump’s doing a great job,” Todd said. “I came out here to enjoy the weather and show my support for President Trump. Not a king, he’s a president.”

Puls hopes, if nothing else, her Jurassic journey through downtown will be a “step” toward getting the research funding back.

 “So many scientists need to have this crucial funding in their undergraduate programs to experience and know this is what they want to do with their lives,” Puls said.

The first “No King’s Day” protest in June coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday in June, so First Coast News asked an organizer if there was a reason Oct.18th was picked for a follow up protest.

“It was just time,” Carol Brady with Beaches Activist Movement said. “I think people saw so much success in the first No King’s Day that there was a lot of demand, ‘Let’s do it again.’”

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office closed down several streets, had officers cycling alongside the march and put up partitions at the Duval County Courthouse steps.

The sheriff’s office hasn’t indicated it had any major safety incidents during the protest.