Occupy Naples protesters demand Wall Street 'give it back' - PHOTOS

NAPLES — Calling for Wall Street to "give it back," a small group of Occupy Naples protesters waved signs in front of a local Bank of America Thursday to recognize the two-month anniversary of the national protest movement and show it hasn't lost any ground.

At its peak, about 20 people gathered at 4501 U.S. 41 North and joined the protest — one of many across the country to spring out of the Occupy Wall Street movement's call for a day of action. The Naples protest was aimed at showing solidarity with the larger movement.

"As far as I'm concerned, people have to show a regular presence to show we're not going away and we are in solidarity with them all the time," said Cynthia Odierna, who led the group in chants.

Holding signs that read, "Jail Wall Street crooks," "Honk to stop banks' control of government" and "Sorry for the inconvenience, but we are changing the world," they chanted demands for "freedom now."

Many acknowledged the multiple and varying of demands the movement has made — everything from more separation between banks and government to an end to war and corporate greed to increased support for education — but said it simply shows significant change is needed.

"People criticize the movement for not having enough direction," Odierna said. "That just means there are so many things that need to be addressed."

While Thursday's turnout was down from the more than 300 people who marched through downtown Naples in October and about 100 people who participated in a protest earlier this month, organizers say the movement continues to grow. Many of its supporters were working Thursday and unable to make the protest, organizer Ellen Hemrick said.

"Occupy Wall Street called for a national day of action on a work day," she said.

At one point the protesters fell to the ground, feigning death as television cameras rolled.

"Is this what democracy looks like?" a man shouted.

"No!" the others responded, before getting back on their feet.

"This is what democracy looks like," they chanted, standing and waving their signs.

The group was met with frequent honks from cars driving by and with some approval from others walking down the sidewalk.

"You guys are doing a good thing," said Scott Leach, who came across the street from his workplace after seeing the protesters gathering.

He said he agrees with the movement and feels that the Federal Reserve has destroyed the country by "making money out of thin air" and devaluing currency.

"I tip my hat to these people that are out here because it's going to grow," Leach said. "People are waking up and understanding what's going on."

Protesters said they were confident that the national movement will lead to change.

"I think it's here to stay until the whole thing blows up and something changes," said Tom Manziano, echoing comments from several others.

Odierna said the group, which typically meets weekly in Cambier Park, continues to attract new interest.

"I'm so positive about this movement," she said. "I just think that in a short amount of time, it's caught on so quickly."