Cheers and applause at Trump supporters’ watch party.

Coral Springs event draws hundreds

CORAL SPRINGS — Cheers rose to deafening levels Friday as a crowd estimated at more than 400 jammed into Wings Plus to cheer Donald Trump’s first moments as the 45th president of the United States.

There was joy, relief and sometimes contempt as the scenes of a new president and party taking the White House unfolded on the TV screens. Wings Plus was the scene of what organizers said was the biggest watch party in the area.

Red, white and blue balloons festooned the restaurant’s exterior. Inside, pins bearing the new president’s likeness and T-shirts with pro-Trump slogans were the apparel of choice. The crowd was so thick that waitresses had to carry trays above their heads to deliver beverages and food to tables.

Many in the crowd wore red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps like Trump wore on the campaign trail. The ones for sale at the restaurant also bore the restaurant name under the slogan.

“Let’s do this, Donald!” Lee Ballos, a Fort Lauderdale real estate agent, said as Trump joined Chief Justice John Roberts to put his hand on the Bible. “Take America back, baby.”

“Yes, he will,” another patron responded.

Bob Enik, 73, of Jacksboro, Tenn., retired from sales, had heard about the gathering on a local radio show and wanted to mark the moment he couldn’t believe had arrived.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I met Trump years ago on a Palm Beach golf course.”

He made an impression, he said. And Enik agrees with Trump’s policies, too.

As Indiana Gov. Mike Pence became Vice President Mike Pence, Lana Markina, a Pompano Beach grandmother of two originally from Jerusalem, declared: “Joe Biden, you’re fired! Joe Biden, you’re fired!”

And when it was Trump’s turn, a full minute of cheers erupted. And then patrons fell silent as his speech began. Lily Olinick, 58, of Coral Springs said she felt the tears welling up.

“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” the real estate agent said. “Everything he believes is what makes this nation great.”

When the camera panned to a sitting President Barack Obama, middle fingers were raised at the TV and there were shouts of “Loser!”

The crowd erupted when Trump declared, “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now.”

Dolly Trevino Rump, chairwoman of Trump’s Broward County campaign, organized the event and said she couldn’t think of many moments in her life that left her more exhilarated.

“For eight years this country has been headed into the abyss,” she said. “He has saved us.”

As Trump’s speech drew to a close, many spoke the last words along with him: “Together, we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again. And yes, together, we will make America great again.”