Ringling Boulevard from South Tuttle Avenue to South Pompano Avenue to be closed from 6 a.m. until event has ended
The Sarasota Police Department is warning the public to “anticipate significant traffic delays, congestion, and periodic road closures in and around the area of the Sarasota Fairgrounds throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening” of Saturday, July 3.
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to conduct a rally at the fairgrounds that evening.
State Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, pointed out in an email blast on June 30 that “it just makes sense” for Trump to return to Sarasota on July 3 “to restart his history-busting rallies” at Robarts Arena.
After all, Gruters pointed out, “[I]t was the Republican Party of Sarasota County that gave Donald Trump its Statesman Award in 2012, long before he ran for president. And then we gave it to him again in 2015, shortly before he announced his run. We knew he was a great American even then.”
Gruters added that the doors at Robarts Arena “will open at 2 p.m. and the first speakers will take the stage at 5 p.m. President Trump will speak at 8 p.m. and there will be a fireworks display after his speech.”
Gruters also is the chair of the Republican Party of Florida. The vice chair is Sarasota County Commissioner Christian Ziegler.
In the Police Department advisory, Public Information Officer Genevieve Judge noted that officers “will be assisting the United States Secret Service” with the event scheduled at the Sarasota Fairgrounds,” which is located at 3000 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota.
Ringling Boulevard from South Tuttle Avenue to South Pompano Avenue will be closed from 6 a.m. until the Saturday night event has ended, Judge added.
“If you are not attending the event and your travels do not take you near the fairgrounds, the Sarasota Police Department is asking you to please avoid the area if possible,” she wrote.
Further, Judge pointed out, “The Sarasota Police Department wants to remind residents and visitors in the City of Sarasota that if you see something, say something. By being alert and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, you can protect your family, neighbors, and community.”