UPDATE — 7 p.m.: The scheduled re-election rally for President Trump at the Valencia Lakes community in Wimauma has been canceled, the community announced Tuesday evening.

ORIGINAL STORY:

WIMAUMA, Fla. — President Trump's re-election campaign has announced Vice-President Pence will be attending a rally on Thursday, January 16 at the Valencia Lakes community in Wimauma.

However, some residents said they are concerned about the "private" community hosting such a "public" event.

  • Valencia Lakes community sits along U.S. 301
  • Residents worry about gates being kept open during public event, parking
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"That means anybody can come in here," said resident Floyd Green.

"This is supposed to be a somewhat secure community and that's why all of us live here and that's why we pay such high fees," said resident Alvin Cubano.

Cubano and Green said they have a number of worries.

They said the community sits along U.S. 301 and they fear that if the roads are closed for the Vice President's visit people won't be able to come and go easily.

"This is a senior living community," Cubano explained. "People have health emergencies and doctor's appointments. I guess all of those on the 16th will have to be canceled because we will be stuck in our houses."

They also said the clubhouse isn't designed for a large-scale event and that parking on the property is limited.

"I was absolutely stunned. I thought it was a joke," said Cubano.

Finally, they said residents were never polled or asked about hosting the rally.

"I think it's about the safety and security of our community and what we pay for, so we should have at least been consulted," said Green.

The Valencia Lakes Property Owners Association sent a letter to residents after the rally was announced. It said that a resident asked the Trump campaign to request the use of the clubhouse for the political rally, and that according to state law, the board had to comply.

The letter contends the event is not being sponsored or endorsed by the board and acknowledges there will be "disruptions," but it asks residents to act in a "civil manner" as the community works through it.