LEE COUNTY, Florida. —
President Donald Trump took the stage at Alico Arena Friday afternoon for a “Seven States in Seven Days” midterm campaign tour, with Florida being his fifth stop. The speech lasted almost two hours.
Trump was greeted by Gov. Ron DeSantis after landing at Southwest Florida International Airport. DeSantis was seen giving the president what appeared to be a large coin or token.
Gates opened at 10:30 a.m. for attendees, who began lining up outside the arena on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus early Friday morning, with eventually a line of thousands of attendees stretching along campus roads.
He began speaking shortly after 2:30 p.m. and finished at 4:25 p.m.
The university asked some staff members to work from home if possible, although the campus remained open.
Trump arrives at RSW airport
The President landed at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) at 1:38 p.m. and was greeted by DeSantis.
Trump leaves the White House
Trump made comments about his visit to Southwest Florida and his support for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. He also said he plans to vote this weekend in Florida.
“I think we’ll vote tomorrow in Florida,” Trump told reporters as he prepared to leave for a rally in Fort Myers and a weekend in Palm Beach, where his club is located.
At another point in the discussion with reporters, Trump was asked about this year’s early voting numbers and which party benefited.
“No one knows,” he replied.
Early voting began Monday in some southwest Florida counties.
No-fly order
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction for airspace within a 10 nautical mile radius of the airport, from 12:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Friday. Exceptions to the restriction were made for first responders, military aircraft and scheduled commercial and cargo flights.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) shared the following statement with Gulf Coast News regarding flights during Trump’s visit to the region:
“We recommend arriving early for flights on Friday afternoon, between noon and 5:00 p.m. Drivers should use the terminal access road, as there will be intermittent road closures on Chamberlain Parkway and Air Cargo Lane.
“Additionally, the aircraft viewing area on Air Cargo Lane will be closed.”
Several viewers shared photos of Marine Corps planes flying over Lee County. The plane is called Marine One when the president is on board.
Impacts on traffic
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office warned residents that Friday’s midterm rally featuring President Trump at Alico Arena on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University could cause traffic delays in surrounding areas.
“Motorists should expect traffic delays in and around the FGCU campus area,” LCSO said. “Impacts are expected from early morning through late afternoon. Please plan accordingly, allow additional travel time and consider alternate routes where possible.”
Traffic delays were also expected near Southwest Florida International Airport as intermittent lane closures were present on Chamberlain Parkway and Air Cargo Lane. RSW recommends travelers arrive early for flights on Friday afternoon, between noon and 5 p.m. Travelers should have taken the terminal access road.
Clashes between demonstrators and supporters
Protesters were seen gathering near FGCU’s Cohen Student Union. They mentioned issues related to high cost of living, high cost of gas, etc.
Protesters and supporters clashed outside Alico Arena as Trump delivered a speech inside, debating topics including the price of gasoline, the cost of living and the war in Iran — issues that could shape the upcoming midterm elections.
Protesters chanted while supporters chanted, with the two groups clashing at times. Cory Andrews, a protester draped in an upside-down American flag, emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
“No one is violent or anything like that. This is a peaceful protest. We are constitutionally mandated to do this,” Andrews said.
Across the street, fans lined up to enter the arena. Highlands County resident Jana Sircy shared her experience waiting in line.
“It’s very inspiring to be here and listen to their conversations, and everyone has a different point of view,” Sircy said.
Cindy Banyai, who is running against Susan Frantz in District 78, organized the protest, which attracted a large number of young people.
“We have a lot of students, a lot of young people, and it’s really exciting,” Banyai said. “We had to travel several times to be able to be here, but I’m happy we were able to make it.”
Paul Newcomb, a Lee County resident, confronted protesters throughout the morning, engaging in conversations and arguments. He said he was convinced that the real impact will be at the ballot box.
“It’s evil versus light, good versus evil, not Republicans versus Democrats,” Newcomb said. “It makes me feel good to see people supporting him the way they are.”
On this point, Andrews agreed.
“We will hold them accountable at county commission meetings, (at) city council meetings and at the ballot box,” Andrews said.
FGCU students divided on visit
FGCU students expressed excitement and concern over Trump’s visit to Alico Arena.
“It’s kind of the talk of the town,” said FGCU student Kelsey Olson.
Some students expressed excitement about the event, including freshman Cooper Liljequist.
“I’m excited because I get to see the president,” Liljequist said.
Since the rally was announced last week, students have noticed changes on campus.
“I’ve seen a lot of people not attend their classes. A lot of people are afraid because the correlation between our Republican President Trump coming to campus, there’s also a huge correlation with ICE. And a lot of our students here are afraid of that, and they’re afraid to come to class because they’re not white. They’re Hispanic students,” said FGCU student Griffin Turner.
Although Olson has reserved tickets for the event, she said she has no plans to attend.
“So we’re not going to come out at all as some sort of revolt against them,” Olson said.
Demand for Trump products increases
Trump’s rally in Lee County on Friday sparked enthusiasm among his supporters, boosting sales of Trump-themed merchandise, while others planned a peaceful protest against his visit.
Valerie Thivierge, owner of Proudly I Stand, a store known locally as the “Trump Store” on US-41, said news of Trump’s visit sparked a surge in customer interest.
“We have the Trump gear. We have the Gulf of America. We have a great line of just patriotic shirts,” Thivierge said.
Watch President Trump’s full speech in the video below:
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