TAMPA, Fla. — Venezuelans around the world rallied Wednesday night to support Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Several world leaders, including President Donald Trump, have officially recognized Guaido as president and are demanding that socialist leader Nicolas Maduro step down.

In Tampa, spirits were high in front of La Teresita Restaurant as hundreds rallied in support of Guaido. 

“For us, it’s a big celebration,” said Casa Venezuela Tampa Bay president Norma Camero Reno. “This is the beginning of the end for the Maduro regime.”

Ever since Maduro assumed power in 2013, the South American nation has spiraled into crisis, causing millions to leave the country. 

Many argue that last may's presidential election was rigged in favor of Maduro, making his presidency illegitimate. 

“Now, we need to do everything possible to make sure Maduro doesn’t stay in power and that he pays for the crimes he’s committed,” said Venezuelan Herek Zambrano

Several Florida lawmakers, including Senator Rick Scott, sided with President Trump in recognizing the legitimacy of Guaido’s presidency. 

“I want to thank the president for today recognizing Juan Guaido as the president of Venezuela and hoping for something much better for Venezuela going forward,” Scott told Spectrum News. 

Venezuelans at the Tampa rally said they were happy to see U.S. lawmakers condemning the Maduro regime.

“Thanks to the President of the United States who’s supporting our new president. Really. Thank you,” said Venezuelan Ana Larrazabal. 

There's no guarantee that Maduro will step down quietly, but Venezuelans tell me they're staying optimistic. 

“It could be tomorrow, it could be a week from now. But he’s on his way out,” Reno said.

President Trump's decision to recognize Guaido as president has increased tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. 

Maduro responded to Trump's announcement on Wednesday night by severing ties with the U.S. and demanding American diplomats to leave the country in the next 72 hours.