SARASOTA – Dozens lined up outside Dolphin Aviation on Friday awaiting the arrival of Vice President Mike Pence. Pence is visiting the Suncoast attending a private fundraiser event at the home of Congressman Vern Buchanan on Longboat Key.
“It’s just one of those once in a lifetime things,” said Craig Steinhoff. “I’m never gonna forget and I’m sure the rest of my family wont either.”
The crowd of nearly 100 people erupted into cheer as soon as the vice president stepped of Air Force Two. Steinhoff says when he found out Pence would arrive to SRQ airport he jumped at the chance of meeting the nation’s second in command.
“It was neat. He was very personable, pulled some people aside, shook everybody’s hand here,” said Steinhoff. “It was a neat experience for myself and my family.”
Steinhoff and his family weren’t the only lucky ones to meet the vice president. Nearly 40 Sarasota Military Academy cadets welcomed Pence as he landed, and even got a private tour on-board Air Force Two.
“Surreal I thought I was living the dream when I came here and saw Mike Pence I just couldn’t understand – you don’t understand – I was just loving it. It’s just amazing to see how he came here and took his time out of his day to see us,” said SMA Cadet Jaxson French.
SMA Cadet Frank Carbajal says he was left star-struck when he was face to face with the vice president.
“It was like surreal,” said Carbajal. “I was standing there and before you say it – I’m going to take pictures but when he’s actually in front of him it’s really different.”
SRQ officials say this is the first time the current administration have landed here at SRQ Airport and expect many more visits as we get closer to election season.
