In an urgent message that’s gaining traction across social media, travel, culture, and social justice content creator Imani Bashir has called on travelers to rethink their visits to Florida, citing growing authoritarian practices in the Sunshine State.
In a video posted to her official account, Bashir urges viewers to skip Florida for vacations, girls’ trips, or theme park visits, declaring, “If you don’t need to, please do not travel to Florida.”
“Drastic times call for drastic measures,” she stated. “The city of Miami illegally canceled their November election… and the state just built that alligator concentration camp. Let that sink in—elections canceled, detention centers funded.”
A Warning in Broad Daylight
According to Bashir, Florida’s move to bypass democratic elections in Miami, while allocating resources to what she describes as an “alligator concentration camp”—a reference to the controversial detention facility recently cited by the Trump administration—illustrates the erosion of civil liberties in one of the nation’s most popular travel destinations.
“This is authoritarianism in action,” she warned. “And the worst part? It’s happening in broad daylight.”
The Power of the Purse
Bashir, who has worked extensively in the travel industry, made a strong case for the power that tourism dollars hold, especially in Florida, which reportedly generated more than $131 billion in tourism revenue in 2023, with the majority stemming from domestic travel.
“Every dollar spent is a vote,” she said.
“And right now, the state of Florida is counting on us to continuously show up—even as they strip away rights.”
Her call to action resonated deeply with marginalized communities, as she highlighted that many of the groups most affected by Florida’s policies—Black people, immigrants, and queer individuals—also live within the state.
Bashir encouraged people to directly support local businesses, NGOs, and mom-and-pop shops in Florida, asking them to drop their names in the video’s comment section for visibility.
“If folks unnecessarily continue to travel to Florida,” she said, “you’re not just taking a trip. You are casting a vote.”
Rising Support—and Controversy
The video has sparked widespread discussion across platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), with many praising Bashir for standing up against what she calls the “normalization of authoritarianism” in tourism policy.
Others questioned the economic impact on local communities already struggling under state policies.
Still, Bashir’s message is clear: travel is not neutral, and where we go—and where we don’t—can reflect our values.
