Overpass Protestors

Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

If posters with phrases like “No On Four,” “Pro-Israel,” “Make America Great Again” or “TRUMP” seem familiar and bring vivid images to mind, you’ve probably driven past Emerson and University on I-95, where right-leaning protesters often gather on the infamous overpass. And if you are anything like us, you want to march up the stairs and rip everything down for the fun of it. Legally speaking, we could since a sign permit is required for all signs, freestanding or ground signs, building wall signs, awning signs, under canopy signs, projecting signs and roof signs according to the city of Jacksonville. 

Now before you lose your head, we’re journalists and understand the importance of the First Amendment. In fact, we are probably the biggest First Amendment advocates. Our distaste for the infamous overpass protesters has nothing to do with what they are protesting, it’s actually a concern for safety (and the shoving of their opinions on the innocent drivers AKA us every single morning.) And we are not the only mildly concerned but incredibly annoyed citizens. 

The demonstrators only seem to show up when an election’s around the corner, whether it’s local or national. No matter the political stakes, these campaigners are more than happy to broadcast who and what they’re backing — free of charge. But here’s the problem: they’re technically not allowed to be there, so how are they? It’s not just a few signs slapped up and done. No, they camp out on the footbridge from dawn till dusk, guarding their setup and making sure no one comes by to take down the signs.

The law prohibiting the projection of unauthorized signs was only recently implemented in January 2023, following incidents where antisemitic signs and banners appeared on highway overpasses along I-10. Although government officials responded to these displays, they were initially unable to take action, as the signage and the group responsible were protected under free speech laws.

This new law didn’t come easy, as one could assume. Nobody likes their constitutional rights questioned (whether it’s hateful, racially insensitive or not), which is why this law had to be particularly worded. The bill addresses only “unauthorized signs” and says nothing about the content. If anyone is found projecting signs onto any public space or building, the violation would result in a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of no less than $2,000 and confiscation of any equipment or vehicles used in the projection.

As stated in a Jax Today article “Projected messages outlawed. But could the new law be challenged?” Jacksonville City Council President Terrance Freeman, along with council members LeAnna Cumber and Matt Carlucci, announced the bill on Jan. 19 stating “that hate has no place in Jacksonville.” While the bill “won’t change the hearts and minds of those who spew hate,” Freeman said, it complies with the First Amendment because it does not base prosecution on the content of the message, but whether the projection has the owner’s consent.

This is just the instance that called for the law to be put into place, that is not to say that the lonely protester on top of the I-95 overpass was promoting hate: They just should not have been there. And if there is a law in place, how were they able to be there every day leading up to the presidential election with seemingly no repercussions? We can only assume it’s because law enforcement simply did not care — or they agreed with the signage. 

There’s no chance the police just didn’t notice the protesters — not only is this happening on the busiest highway in Jacksonville, but we also know for a fact they were informed. We asked our readers if overpass protestors had any influence on them or if they just kept driving, and here’s what they had to say:

Cate Dobbins

“It depends upon the overpass – if it’s the pedestrian walkway over 95 between Emerson and University that is a Department of Transportation structure within the highway right of way, and it is illegal to be there unless you are specifically passing between point A and B using that bridge. So I call the JSO non-emergency number EVERY EFFING TIME I SEE THEM and they make them leave. It’s a dangerous driver distraction, which is why the police have been educated and are enforcing the law now…”

Arial Baker

“If you drive down Hendricks toward University from San Marco you can also find more signs in someone’s front yard facing the street in the exact same handwriting… in case anyone ever wanted to send a letter or give the police an address…”

Peter T. LaComb Jr.

“I mostly just want to make a big ‘God is not real’ sign to set up on the pedestrian walkway over I95 near Emerson/University.”

Annie Orenda

“Just keep driving while also respecting their right to peacefully demonstrate.”

Firepit Mike

“Call the JSO non-emergency line at 904-630-0500”

Allison Boss

“Depends on what it is, truly.”