ORLANDO, Fla. — Like clockwork, Orlando’s Lake Eola park turns into a rallying stage on Sunday afternoons. One person after another, walking to a corner of the park carrying signs, flags and face paint, ready to denounce Vladimir Putin and sing Ukraine’s national anthem.
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“Slava Ukraini!” they shout, in between prayers and the country’s national anthem.
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Even though the war has entered its second month, there are no signs of weariness during the 3 p.m. rallies. Nor are there signs community members are ready to back away from their support, either.
This weekend, the crowd was bigger than before. The list of local political candidates and elected officials was longer. The foot traffic and potential eyeballs sky-high, thanks to perfect weather.
Was also able to support a Peace for Ukraine rally happening at @LakeEolaPark as well. We continue to support the people of Ukraine & our local community who have loved ones impacted. 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/FawMDhm4eB
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) March 27, 2022
State Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Seminole County), with ancestral ties to Ukraine, pledged his support and called on Florida to cut financial ties with Russian companies.
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“We can’t get involved in international affairs directly,” he explained, “I know that there’s people looking at our state pension ship pension program, our contracts, and seeing what involvement that they may have with Russia.”
Feet away from the waving banners, Nataliya Maynard sold t-shirt after t-shirt to the passers-by. Profits, she said, would be funneled to families and friends she knew in cities under bombardment.
“Thank God… wireless and PayPal, everything is working and people can save funds,” she said. “So, if they need to buy tickets to Slovenia, or they need to buy any supplies, they can do it.”
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Leesburg resident Sammy Boodhoo bought one for his girlfriend, and another for a stranger.
“It’s one world,” he said.
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