SUMTER COUNTY, Fla — The battle for Florida’s senior voters is raging in Sumter County. The typically ruby red zone has seen a flash of blue with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the top of the Democratic ticket. She’s brought some momentum and engaged older voters in an area that former President Donald Trump won by more than 30 points in 2020.
While Sumter is unlikely to flip — Harris might be able to eat away some of Trump’s margin, raising hopes for the Florida Democrats that the Sunshine State is truly “in play.”
Here’s what a few folks from Florida’s well-known senior community “The Villages” told us about their election thoughts.
Herald Cota: “Well, a lot of people dislike Trump because of what he says. But the main thing is, what did he do for the country when he was in office? He did a lot of things that he said he was going to do.”
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Joe Dilello: “Is there any other choice? Donald Trump. Because his concerns about America have matched better with mine.”
John Ives: “Everyone thinks with their wallet, and that’s how I think I’ve made up my mind. We’re going to make America Great Again.”
Jeanette Mulhause: “The economy is absolutely is high on my mind. The inflation rate, all of this. All of the above.”
Ken Ives: “Let’s close those borders down to and get things in hand, because this open border thing just didn’t work.”
Stan Leonard: “Whether it’s Democrat or Republican, I don’t think either party is doing us any justice. I don’t think they represent a taxpayer at all.”
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Joan Westcott: “They never tell you the truth anymore. They just tell you what they think you want to hear to get your vote, and then that’s it. I mean, that’s the way it is. I’ll walk into that booth and I’ll make up my mind. Right now, I don’t feel really keen on either.”
Vanita Wagner: “I think she (Harris) certainly brings a lot of energy to her campaign. She’s younger, she’s got more ideas, she’s willing to listen. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen a parade that came to The Villages of just a Harris/Walz parade. It was just amazing.”
Christine Behre: “Tradition needs to go out the window. I’m saying, look at all the racism and all the crap that’s going on. Her knowledge, her experience, her passion, she’s going to kick ass.”
“You’re going to see a big improvement to traffic flow in this area,” Nearly $865 million later and the new Howard Frankland bridge is entering its final phase of construction.
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Howard Frankland Bridge nearing completion of construction
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: March 1, 2026
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Janine Stanwood welcomes President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County Audra Berg, Secretary General of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, Division Director of Flood Control and Water Supply Planning for the South Florida Water Management District Carolina Maran, State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras and State Rep. Kevin Chambliss.
The full episode can be seen at the top of this page.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
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Janine Stanwood
Janine Stanwood is a Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor. She joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor.
South Florida leaders are taking preventative measures to keep residents safe after the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes on Iran early Saturday morning.
Miami-Dade County mayor Daniella-Levine Cava issued a statement reacting to the military operation that President Trump dubbed on Truth Social as “Operation Epic Fury.”
The statement reads: “The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran poses serious risks to regional stability and international safety.”
She goes on to say that her thoughts are “with the people of Israel and the Jewish community here in South Florida who are watching these events with worry and uncertainty.” She also says the Iranian people “deserve peace, safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without repression.”
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Of the Trump administration’s decision to launch the military operation, Levine-Cava writes: “Any military action taken without congressional authorization is a dangerous precedent, and we must learn from our nation’s past challenges. What must come next is a serious effort to restore stability and pursue diplomacy, not further violence.”
As for measures she will be taking, she says she asked her Chief of Public Safety to “ensure public safety agencies are aware and ready to activate plans in case of any disruption.”
The Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz also issued a statement saying that MDSO is “taking immediate security measures by increasing patrols to ensure the safety of our residents.” She said that they have increased security presence around places of worship, cultural centers, and schools.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the servicemen and women protecting our national security interests around the globe,” Cordero-Stutz wrote.
Aventura Police have also responded to the current situation on X, saying that they are monitoring the “current situation in the Middle East with our local, state, and federal partners.”
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@aventurapoliceis monitoring the current situation in the Middle East with our local, state and federal partners. At this time there are no known or credible threats to the US or Miami-Dade County. In an abundance of caution, we have implemented a heightened security posture with directed patrols at our religious facilities and other sensitive locations throughout @cityofaventuraWe will continue to monitor and report any suspicious behavior.https://x.com/aventurapolice/status/2027787245164335222/photo/1
X/Aventura Police
They go on to say: “At this time, there are no known or credible threats to the U.S. or Miami-Dade County.” However, they note that in “an abundance of caution,” they will be increasing security in religious facilities and other locations they deem as “sensitive” throughout the city.
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The City of Miami Beach also posted its statement to X, saying it is also “closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” They also note that at this time, there are no known credible threats to the city.
They write: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased our uniformed presence at synagogues, schools, and other key locations citywide. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and leaders within the faith-based community.”
Miami Beach Police Department Increases Patrols Ahead of Purim Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflicthttps://x.com/MiamiBeachPD/status/2027752171173773807/photo/1
X/Miami Beach Police
They also urge residents to report any “suspicious or unlawful activity” to call their non-emergency number at 305-673-7901 or, if it is an emergency, call 911.
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Other cities’ police departments, such as Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, and Hallendale Beach, posted on their social media that they will also increase security measures after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
