LAKE COUNTY -
More than 200 cars supporting a Joe Biden Presidency in 2020 and displaying placards reading: “Joe Biden President 2020” drove from Leesburg to Spanish Springs in The Villages, Florida, in a “Ridin with Biden Caravan” campaign in Lake County Sunday, September 20th, 2020. The motorcade of cars and pick-up trucks with advocates for Biden and Harris in 2020 hailed from Clermont, Mt. Dora, Eustis and Leesburg, all cities located in Lake County. The participants convened at Venetian Gardens on Dixie avenue in Leesburg and continued to US Hwy 441/27 north to Spanish Spring in The Villages where they were welcomed and encouraged by a large crowd of wellwishers waving signs, showing hand gestures with their thumbs up and shouting Biden in 2020.
Although most people along the route honked their car horns, waved and shouted “Go Biden”, there was a small contingent of R e p u b l i c a n s who received word that the Ridin with Biden Caravan was scheduled for Sunday and they were out there with their thumbs down, calling caravan participants “losers”. Overall, the event proceeded peacefully without incident. “We were thrilled by all the many, many supporters passing by, honking, waving thumbs up, windows down and yelling, “thank you for being here. Go Biden”. It was very encouraging!” Rose Fitzpatrick, President of the Greater Leesburg Democratic Club and one of the coordinators for the caravan event, said. “It was a great day and we are so grateful to everyone that came out to make it a success.” Lillian Lockette, Secretary of the Lake County Democratic Party, said, “With what’s going on with the U.S. Supreme Court, the pandemic, and the protests against systemic racism, to see all those cars with signs for Biden 2020 and the overall enthusiasm from the people at The Villages, it was like a muchneeded shot in the arm. It was exciting to see.” “It was a great, great day. Lake County showed out, coming from all corners of the city,” commented P h y l l i s Archibald, who drove the lead car from Clermont. “It all impressed me. Wonderful, wonderful, it came off well.” “The Ridin with Biden Car Caravan,” Dennis Hamm said, “showed everyone that the Democrats in Florida are here, strong, eager, and ready for victory!”
When the motorcade of vehicles arrived at Spanish Springs around 4:30 pm, they were joined by more Biden supporters with their golf carts. For about an hour, they all continued to drive around the Square, while Democrats were very appreciative of the support, Rose Fitzpatrick said Republicans were shocked. Despite the rain, we had a great turnout with lots of support for Biden and Harris in 2020,” said Ornetta Slaughter, Vice President of the Lake County Democratic Black Caucus. “I believe folks are energized to get a new president.” The caravan was supported by the Lake County Democratic Black Caucus, Legacy Democratic Club, Greater Leesburg Democratic Club, Plantation Democratic Club, South Lake Democratic Club and the Plantation Democratic Club.