Trump Rally in Fort Myers Fills Alico Arena, Leaving Many Supporters Outside

A rally headlined by President Donald Trump filled Alico Arena in Fort Myers on Friday, with nearly all of its 4,633 seats, including 300 standing-room-only spots, taken by 1:30 p.m. The president was scheduled to speak at 2 p.m., and many people were turned away at the door.

During his remarks, Trump said two "massive television screens," each costing $1 million, had been set up just outside so that people who could not get in could watch the feed. Those outside faced a cloudless sky and hot sun, a tough wait for anyone without shade.

Michelle Neira drove from Vero Beach with her sons Adam and Stffan to arrive early and avoid that fate. Their seats were behind the president, facing the crowd. "To have such access to the president," Michelle said, calling it "such a blessing." Stffan said he came to support the office of the president in what he called a conflicting time in the nation's history. Adam said he likes the strength the president is showing and the emphasis on secure borders, while Michelle praised how accessible the president is and said he listens to feedback.

Michael Rhodes, another Republican who came early, said it was his first Trump rally. A neighbor told him about it, and he decided to go. He said he appreciates a president promoting his agenda during the midterms. Keith Roos of Cape Coral did not get in but was not very disappointed, saying everyone should experience such an event. "It was hot," he conceded, and he added that he found the protests interesting to see.

Besides Trump, the speakers were Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, U.S. Rep. Greg Steube, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. Gov. Ron DeSantis did not speak at the rally but shared remarks after the president landed at Southwest Florida International Airport just after 1:30 p.m.

The event aimed to build support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds against Democrat David Jolly, Republican Senate candidate Ashley Moody against Democrat Angie Nixon, and Republican Jim Schwartzel against Democrat Victor Arias in the race for U.S. House District 19.

Trump said Donalds is endorsed by 36 Florida sheriffs, the Florida Farm Bureau and Moms for America, as well as by himself "at the strongest and highest level." He called Jolly "bad news" and said that without Donalds, the state would become a sanctuary state with open borders and gun restrictions. Trump said he once knew Jolly as a Republican who was "thrown out of the party like a dog."

Moody told the crowd this is no time for the party to "keep calm and carry on," saying Florida is under attack and offering a defiant slogan of her own. Trump called Nixon a Communist and framed the election as a simple choice. He said a vote for Democrats would mean higher taxes and amnesty for illegal immigrants, while a Republican vote would mean lower taxes, bigger paychecks, less crime and a booming state economy.

The whole event ran about five hours. Trump finished speaking around 4:20 p.m. and went straight to the airport, leaving on Air Force One around 5 p.m. Outside Alico Arena and the Cohen Student Union, protesters gathered to voice opposition to the president's policies, including immigration reforms and what they described as unnecessary wars.