LEE COUNTY, Fla. —
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 nearly 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.
The doors opened at 10:30 a.m. for attendees, who began lining up outside the arena on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University early Friday morning, with a line eventually with thousands of attendees stretching along the campus roads.
He began speaking shortly after 2:30 p.m. and wrapped up at 4:25 p.m.
The university asked some staff to work from home if possible, though 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 departs White House
Trump made comments about his visit to Southwest Florida and his support for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm election. He also said he plans to vote this weekend in Florida
“I think we’re voting tomorrow in Florida,” Trump told reporters as he was preparing to depart for a rally in Fort Myers and a weekend in Palm Beach, where his club is located.
At another point in the gaggle with journalists, Trump was asked about this year’s early voting figures and which party benefited.
“Nobody knows,” he responded.
Early voting began in some Southwest Florida counties on Monday.
No-fly order
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction for the airspace within 10 nautical miles of the airport from 12:15 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 amid Trump’s visit to the area:
“We recommend arriving early for flights on Friday afternoon between noon and 5:00 p.m. Drivers should use Terminal Access Road, as there will be intermittent road closures on Chamberlain Parkway and Air Cargo Lane.
“Also, the aircraft viewing area on Air Cargo Lane will be closed.”
Several viewers shared photos of Marine Corps aircraft flying over Lee County. The aircraft is referred to as Marine One when the president is aboard.
Traffic impacts
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office warned residents that Friday’s midterm rally featuring President Trump at Alico Arena on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus may cause traffic delays in the 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 extra travel time, and consider alternate routes when 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 recommended travelers arrive early for flights on Friday afternoon between noon and 5 p.m. Travelers should have used Terminal Access Road.
Protesters and supporters clash
Protesters were seen gathering near FGCU’s Cohen Student Union. They mentioned issues surrounding the high cost of living, the high cost of gas, and more.
Protesters and supporters clashed outside Alico Arena as Trump delivered remarks inside, debating topics such as gas prices, the cost of living, and the war in Iran — issues that could shape the upcoming midterm elections.
Protesters chanted while supporters sang, with the two groups confronting each other at times. Cory Andrews, a protester draped in an upside-down American flag, emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
“Nobody is violent or anything else like that. This is a peaceful protest. This was ordained to us under the Constitution,” Andrews said.
Across the street, supporters lined up to enter the arena. Jana Sircy, a Highlands County resident, shared her experience waiting in line.
“It’s very inspiring to be here and to listen to their conversations, and everybody has a different take on it,” Sircy said.
Cindy Banyai, who is running against Susan Frantz in District 78, organized the protest, which drew a large number of young attendees.
“We got a lot of students, a lot of young people, and that’s really exciting,” Banyai said. “We’ve had to shift several times in order to be able to have a presence here, but I’m happy that we were able to make it happen.”
Paul Newcomb, a Lee County resident, confronted protesters throughout the morning, engaging in conversations and arguments. He expressed his belief that the real impact will be made at the ballot box.
“It’s evil versus light, good versus bad, not Republican versus Democrat,” Newcomb said. “It makes me feel good to see people support him the way they do.”
On that point, Andrews agreed.
“We’ll hold them accountable in the county commission meeting, [in] city council meetings and at the ballot box,” Andrews said.
FGCU students split over visit
FGCU students have expressed excitement and concern over Trump’s visit to Alico Arena.
“It has kind of just been the talk of the town,” FGCU student Kelsey Olson said.
Some students expressed enthusiasm about the event, including freshman Cooper Liljequist.
“I’m excited about it because I get to see the president,” Liljequist said.
Since the rally was announced last week, students noticed changes on campus.
“I’ve seen a lot of people not attending their classes. A lot of people are in fear because the correlation of 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,” FGCU student Griffin Turner said.
While Olson reserved tickets for the event, she said she did not plan to attend.
“So we’re not going to show up at all as like a kind of revolt against them,” Olson said.
Demand for Trump merch grows
Trump’s rally in Lee County Friday sparked excitement among 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 the announcement of Trump’s visit led to a surge in customer interest.
“We have the Trump gear. We have Gulf of America. We have a big line of just patriotic shirts,” Thivierge said.
Watch President Trump’s full speech in the video below:
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.