Photo courtesy Republican Party of Sarasota

Former President Donald Trump returned to Sarasota and attracted some 23,000 people to the Sarasota Fairgrounds, showing a community that helped his rise to prominence in politics still holds a special place in his heart.

“We're thrilled to be joined tonight by many outstanding Republican leaders,” Trump said. He gave personal shoutouts to individuals, including state Sen. Joe Gruters and Sarasota County Commissioner Christian Ziegler, respectively the chair and vice chair of the Republican Party of Florida.

Trump still falsely maintained he won the November election “easily, we won by a lot, by a record.” But regardless of the fact Democrat Joe Biden now serves as president, Trump offered specific thanks to the Sarasota Republicans who made sure Florida remained in the Trump column.

“The Sarasota Republican Party, led by my good friend Florida Republican Party Chairman Joe Gruters,” Trump said before a fireworks show lit up the sky on Saturday. Trump also mentioned the Republican Party of Sarasota had twice named him Statesman of the Year, the first in 2012 just as he was becoming a major voice in Republican politics.

Gruters said he was thrilled by the mention, and that it showed why Sarasota made the perfect locale for the rally.

“I was on cloud nine after he mentioned me and I always go back to all interactions that I have had with him over the years and am glad he picked Sarasota as his first kickoff rally here in Florida,” Gruters said.

Photo courtesy Republican Party of Sarasota