DeSantis, Nunez hold campaign rally in Vero

Photo by Leigh Green

VERO BEACH — The Republican candidate for governor of Florida and his running mate spoke before hundreds of supporters during a campaign rally Monday at a local eatery.

The campaign stop comes as millions of Floridians prepare to cast their ballots in the heated race for the general election, which will be held Tuesday.

“I came from Palm Bay just to see the rally. It was nice to see the candidates upfront,” 46-year-old Kelly Sloan said. “It got me excited to vote. I do not want my taxes raised or guns taken away.”

Ron DeSantis, who won the Republican primary for the governor’s race, spoke along with Jeanette Nunez, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Lara Trump and others at the rally. DeSantis is running against Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum for the governor’s seat.

Vero Beach police blocked off 11th Avenue from 21st Street to 20th Place for the event, held from 1:30 p.m. to about 3 p.m. Monday at the Patio Seafood Tavern, according to police.

The rally was originally scheduled to be held inside the Patio restaurant, according to the owner Billy Brown. When planners got a massive response from residents planning to attend, the event was moved to the street just outside, where the lawmakers spoke.

Brown said nearly 1,000 people came to the rally, with 200 people inside and about 700 people outside.

“I could not have thought of a better place to have it,” Brown said.

The owner said the speakers at the event spoke about supporting law enforcement, cleaning Lake Okeechobee, lowering taxes and maintaining a low unemployment level.

“Their energy and passion were evident. They were genuinely motivated and believed in what they were doing,” Brown said. “They were not bashing anyone. They were just sharing their vision for Florida and promoting what they think is right.”

Indian River County Republican Executive Committee Chairman Tom Lockwood said the rally was put together pretty quick.

“It was a pretty impressive display of Republicans,” Lockwood said. “It was encouraging people to get out and vote.”

Photos by Leigh Green

This story will be updated. 

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