NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)October 25, 2026Hillsborough County
Presidential Rally at Alico Arena in Fort Myers Draws Capacity Crowd and Promotes Republican Candidates
Photo: WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)
A presidential rally at Alico Arena reached its 4,633-seat capacity by 1:30 p.m. on Friday, prompting overflow crowds to watch via outdoor screens while featuring speeches from the president and several federal and state officials to support Republican candidates ahead of the midterms.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
Thousands of residents and supporters attended or protested a major political event in Lee County, which featured high-profile endorsements for upcoming gubernatorial, congressional, and senate races.
Key Facts
- Alico Arena filled its entire 4,633-seat capacity, including 300 standing-room spots, by 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
- Two $1 million outdoor television screens were set up outside the arena to broadcast the feed for overflow crowds.
- Speakers at the event included U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Dr. Mehmet Oz, U.S. Representative Greg Steube, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
- Governor Ron DeSantis shared remarks after the president landed at Southwest Florida International Airport.
- The event's main purpose was to bolster support for Republican candidates including Byron Donalds for governor, Ashley Moody for Senate, and Jim Schwartzel for U.S. House District 19.
- The entire event lasted about 5 hours, concluding around 4:20 p.m. before the president departed on Air Force One.
- Protesters gathered outside Alico Arena and Cohen Student Union to express opposition to immigration reforms and foreign policy.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationCohen Student Union“Location where protesters gathered outside.”PersonRon DeSantis“Governor who shared remarks after the president landed.”PersonVictor Arias“Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 19.”PersonMichelle Neira“Attendee who drove from Vero Beach to the rally.”PersonAngie Nixon“Democratic Senate candidate.”PersonWilton Simpson“Florida's Agriculture Commissioner who spoke at the event.”PersonStffan Neira“Attendee and son of Michelle Neira.”OrganizationWGCU“Public media outlet reporting the news article.”PersonMichael Rhodes“First-time rally attendee from Southwest Florida.”PersonByron Donalds“Republican gubernatorial candidate endorsed at the rally.”PersonDr. Mehmet Oz“Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services who spoke at the”PersonRick Scott“U.S. Senator who spoke at the event.”PersonAdam Neira“Attendee and son of Michelle Neira.”PersonKeith Roos“Cape Coral resident who attended the rally.”PersonDavid Jolly“Democratic gubernatorial candidate.”PersonJim Schwartzel“Republican candidate for U.S. House District 19.”OrganizationAlico Arena“Venue where the political rally was held.”PersonMike Braun“WGCU Managing editor who contributed to the report.”PersonGreg Steube“U.S. Representative for Florida's Congressional District 17 who spoke at the eve”PersonAshley Moody“Republican Senate candidate for Florida.”PersonRobert F. Kennedy“U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services who spoke at the event.”