THE VILLAGES, Fla. – A large crowd came out to hear President Donald Trump speak in The Villages Friday.
Trump hosted the event at the Villages Charter School on Dr. Randy McDaniel Way.
“I love Florida, we love Florida,” Trump said as he opened his remarks. “And Our great American patriots in The Villages. We are happy with The Villages, we like The Villages. Now, you know, I shouldn’t be here. There was just an attempt -- I won’t use the word -- an attempt, they say, on my life. I should be indoors at a secure facility where I can quietly, beautifully and safely play out my term, destroying everything that comes our way, like bad countries that want to get nuclear weapons. So they want me to be in a secure place. I said, ‘What’s more secure than The Villages?’”
Were you in The Villages for President Trump’s rally? Send your pictures in to our News 6 PINIT page HERE.
4:09 p.m.
President Trump arrived at The Villages Charter School, albeit about an hour late. You can watch the event in the video player above.
3:13 p.m.
President Trump has landed at Ocala International Airport and will now head to The Villages for his event.
1 p.m.
The latest from Matt Austin in The Villages:
12:35 p.m.
News 6’s Matt Austin will be watching President Trump’s visit inside the school. He filed this report about the crowds outside the school.
12:23 p.m.
From News 6’s Mark Lehman:
While crowds lined up to attend President Trump’s speaking event, hundreds gathered for a demonstration against the visit.
Nearly two miles away from the venue, there was a golf cart protest endorsed by the Florida Democratic Party.
Dominick Nati said he decided to protest on behalf of his grandchildren.
“It’s not that we don’t support democracy. We don’t support the president’s agenda,” Nati said. “Our congress needs to support democracy, not necessarily the king that’s in charge.”
10 a.m.
News 6’s Mark Lehman filed this video on the crowds growing to get into The Villages Charter School for President Trump’s visit at 3 p.m.
Security, traffic preparations
On Tuesday, nearby homeowner Bob Pengilly recorded video of presidential aircraft details landing and taking off from a field on the school campus.
“It was one, after another, after another. Then I saw the presidential helicopter, and I thought that was really strange.” Pengilly said. “Some people got out, and they were only here about 10 to 15 minutes, and then they started to lift off.”
Security is expected to be especially tight surrounding the school as the event is less than a week after a man was accused of trying to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in an alleged attempt to kill President Trump.
“I would actually expect to see people up on top of the buildings, on top of the stadiums. Secret Service just to make sure everything’s protected,” Pengilly said.
[WATCH: White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting suspect to appear in court]
In a release on Wednesday, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said road closures and detours will be in place to support the safe and efficient operation of the event.
Drivers were encouraged to use Central Parkway to Landstone Boulevard to access the venue.
Parking will also be very limited at the school, and attendees should plan ahead.
According to organizers, the event will take place at the school’s Buffalo Sports Complex and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with seating not guaranteed.