When President Trump comes to town, the size of the crowd will almost certainly be in dispute. But what cannot be in doubt is the level of passion on display Thursday afternoon at Spanish Springs Town Square.
Clashes between Trump fans and foes at times became heated and required the intervention of law enforcement.
Opponents of the president were armed with whistles they blew loudly and repeatedly at those with whom they disagreed. The whistles were a nod to the whistleblower who reported on Trump’s phone call in which he attempted to gain dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden.
Phyllis Gehman of Lady Lake arrived at the square a couple of hours ahead of Trump’s speech at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.
She hadn’t scored a ticket to get into the venue, but recalled seeing Trump at a previous rally in Tampa.
“He was so full of energy,” she said.
Shirley Riordan, who moved from Memphis to the Village of Collier five years ago, said she has never been as excited about a president as she is about President Trump.
“I love what he has done for the country,” she said.
Rita Harris, who drove from Orange County to protest at the Trump event in The Villages, doesn’t share Riordan’s enthusiasm for the president. Harris carried a sign claiming the Russians played a role in getting Trump elected.
Stonecresters Vernon and Karen Johns said Trump has taken a lot of heat since winning the White House.
“No other man could take what they’ve thrown at him,” Vernon Johns said. “I pity this country if he doesn’t win re-election.”
Barbara Scheer of the Village of Virginia Trace and Ed Brennan of the Village of Mira Mesa didn’t see it that way.
“We are going to be in real trouble if he isn’t defeated,” Scheer said.
Debbi and Mike Wunschel of Wildwood brought a big sign to support Trump. Their sign proved to be very popular with strangers asking to have photos taken.
“We are enjoying our tax dollars being spent today for this event,” Debbi Wunshel said.