The Sumter County Republican Party hosted its successful grand opening for its new Republican headquarters on Saturday afternoon in Lake Sumter Landing.

Sumter County Republican Party Committeeman John Calandro said he intends that the new headquarters will serve as a “nerve center” and key spot for registered voters to learn more about all the Republican candidates participating in local, state, and general elections.

He also shared that the office will be a point of information where volunteers will do anything they can do to paint the county, and ultimately the state, red.

The headquarters is open from Monday to Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but Calandro said that hours and days will be modified as the general election voting date nears.

Under the motto, “Paint the Square Red,” many showed up in red attire.

Don Hahnfeldt, candidate for the Florida House, speaks at the GOP event.
Don Hahnfeldt, candidate for the Florida House, speaks at the GOP event. He wore a “Make America Great Again” ballcap.

The program featured guest speaker Sumter County Commissioner Don Hahnfeldt who shared a conversation he had with Gov. Rick Scott who offered his congratulations for all those running in elections.

Hahnfeldt will be The Villages representative in the Florida House beginning next year after he did not draw an opponent. Hahnfeldt offered his support for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump who he said will offer the “real leadership” to tackle the issues America faces.

“We must elect the right person to restore America to its greatness,” said Hahnfeldt to the crowd, urging them to vote for Trump.

Candidate for Congress Justin Grabelle with his parents who reside in the Village of Amelia.
Candidate for Congress Justin Grabelle with his parents who reside in the Village of Amelia.

Congressional candidate Justin Grabelle greeted many of the GOP faithful as his parents Dorothy and Howard Grabelle of the Village of Amelia accompanied him.

Also at the event were State Rep. Marlene O’Toole, David Gee and State Rep. Dennis Baxley, who are all running for State Senate District 12.

Jennifer Boyett, running for Sumter County School board, and Rick Shirley and John Temple, both running for Sumter County School Superintendent, made their presence known as they catted with visitors.

The new headquarters is located on 1115 Canal Street in Lake Sumter Landing and is open to all those who are interested in volunteering.