‘Trumptillas,’ or pro-Trump flotillas, celebrate president’s birthday in Florida

PTI, Jun 15, 2020, 9:16 AM IST

Florida: Hundreds of President Donald Trump fans across Florida paraded their yachts in flotillas or “Trumptillas” on Sunday, June 14 to celebrate his 74th birthday.

The boats set sail from the Sunshine State’s major marinas. They flew American flags, and some had Trump’s “MAGA” slogan emblazoned on the hull.

“They make him look like he’s a racist, but he’s not, and I’m here to celebrate him,” said Rachel Cramer, who was dancing on a boat leaving Fort Lauderdale to join a flotilla of dozens of other yachts headed for Boca Raton. “Also, happy birthday, Mr. President!”

Cramer wore a mask with the Republican president’s face on it and a T-shirt that read, “Trump 2020.”

Further north in Jacksonville, about 1,000 boats participated in the Trumptillas, according to official Duval County estimates.

Trumptillas became popular in early May as Florida residents wanted to show support for the president while still respecting social distancing guidelines

Pro-Trump flotillas for the president’s birthday also took place in Tampa, Pensacola, and Sarasota on Florida’s west coast, as well as in the Keys of the state’s southern tip.

The Republican Party announced Thursday that Trump will accept the GOP presidential nomination in Jacksonville following a row over coronavirus restrictions with the governor of North Carolina, where the event was originally scheduled.