Palestine

An estimated 100 protesters gathered for a second straight day. After they erected tents and officials "determined the protest was no longer peaceful," participants were warned it was an unlawful assembly.

Allan Hektor Frasheri, 20, a philosophy major from Dunedin, posted bail and is facing a felony battery charge related to his arrest.

Following arrests at USF and the University of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he backs the protesters' First Amendment rights, but said universities have the authority to make sure the gatherings remain peaceful.

Among those arrested was Allan Hektor Frasheri, 20, a philosophy major from Largo, who faces a felony charge accusing him of spitting in the face of a police officer. A Valrico resident faces a misdemeanor charge.

The USF Tampa campus joined the wave of demonstrations sweeping across university campuses, calling for divestment from Israel.

Though their actions are more region-specific, FGCU for Palestine aims to make their efforts felt thousands of miles away.

The university said employees or professors caught breaking its rules would be fired.

University of Florida students gathered outside the Reitz Union Wednesday in support of the Palestinian people and to urge UF to divest from Israeli war interests.

While there were both pro- and anti-abortion protesters, many were also calling President Joe Biden a hypocrite for supporting abortion while women in Gaza die during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

A cousin of 21-year old Omer Shem Tov –- one of the estimated 134 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza — will share his story at a free community event Wednesday at Temple Emanu-El in Sarasota.

Israeli survivors of the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 visited college campuses in South Florida in April to bring their stories to students and combat antisemitism.

The organizers announced that although USF officials did not meet their demands, they are encouraging members to end the protest due to health concerns. The group also said it will continue its efforts.