KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Hurricane Maria survivors held a press conference on Wednesday in Kissimmee to announce their upcoming rally.
On September 22nd, these survivors, along with advocates and allies, say that they will be staging one of the largest Puerto Rican led mobilizations to Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach. This will be done in effort to mourn the victims of Hurricane Maria and demand justice for Puerto Rico.
Almost one year ago, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, leaving almost the entire island without food, electricity, clean water, and more. 4,645 U.S. Citizens died.
The survivors from Wednesday's press conference believe that ever since then, Puerto Rico has just become victims of government inefficiency, discrimination and neglect. They say that FEMA's response in Puerto Rico has been negligent and inexcusable when compared to its efforts on the mainland after Hurricanes Sandy, Irma, and Harvey. The survivors also went on to blame the Trump Administration for their blatant disregard for the lives and safety of Puerto Ricans,
Power 4 Puerto Rico and Alianza for Progress are organizing the event which closes a week of action across the nation starting September 15, 2018. Over 20 buses will transport Puerto Ricans, Hispanic groups, faith leaders, progressives, and other allies for a caravan around Mar-A-Lago.
There will be a rally, where prominent speakers and performers will join and a vigil to remember and honor the lives lost and impacted by the hurricane.
The main event and vigil will take place at Meyer Amphitheatre (105 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.