Trump makes third campaign stop in Tampa Saturday
TAMPA (FOX 13) - Donald Trump is making his third appearance in Tampa as candidate from president Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.
Following several violent clashes between Trump supporters and opposition across the country, Tampa police said they plan to have a strong, visible presence at Saturday's event.
Trump spoke at the Tampa Convention Center and the University of South Florida earlier in the year to a nonviolent crowd.
"We're just going to make sure that everybody knows what line they can't cross," said Steve Hegarty, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department. "There's some noise, there are some signs, some clever signs, things like that, and everybody exercises their First Amendment rights very passionately, but we've been very fortunate here in Tampa," said Hegarty.
Last week, three teenagers, among others in San Jose, California, were charged after attacking Trump supporters outside a rally.
"We do take note. When we see something that happens elsewhere, we take note," said Hegarty.
Local supporters have also watched the violence at other rallies with concern.
"We're just going to keep our eyes and ears open really close. We'll be careful, but it's not going to stop us from going," said Julie Magill, a Trump supporter who plans to attend Saturday's rally with her grandson.
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to register for tickets.
Trump's campaign booked the east hall o the Tampa Convention Center, a 100,000 square foot space. Across the street from the rally, a 'No Trump Rally' has been organized by the Hillsborough County Democratic Party.
Members said they plan to speak out against several of Trump's offensive public comments, most recently, his lawsuit involving Trump University, during which he said his judge, being of Mexican descent, is a "conflict of interest," due to his proposal to build a wall bordering the country.
"He's made very racist comments, bigoted comments and we don't think that has any place here in Florida or anywhere else in America," said Ione Townsend, chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party.
The 'No Trump Rally' is scheduled to start at 8:45 a.m. Saturday at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water Street in Tampa (next to Marriott Waterside). The protest is scheduled to wrap up at 11 a.m. as Donald Trump is set to take to stage inside the Tampa Convention Center.
To register for tickets, visit https://www.donaldjtrump.com/schedule/register/tampa-fl2/