Hundreds joined in a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest march from the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch library to the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club on Saturday, June 15.
The march, which was authorized by the county’s Sheriff department, was organized via Twitter.
Commander Scott Beaver of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spoke briefly at the event, assuring the protesters they were authorized to march and would be protected.
“I think the folks that live here in St. Johns County are unique,” Beaver said. “I don’t think we have some of the same problems here that are throughout the county. I’ve been doing this a long time, coming up 27 years and I want to say that I love what’s happening and I support y’all. I think every cop here will support you. We don’t agree with some of the things that have been happening as well.”
Noah Wells, who organized the event, said he decided to hold a protest in Ponte Vedra because how much backlash he received about it.
“When I had the idea, I got so much negative push back,” Wells said. “This is one of the most beautiful areas of our city and I have a lot of friends here. We are going to take a stand now for systematic racism.”
