Vice President JD Vance Draws Crowds And Controversy In Naples

On a brisk Wednesday afternoon in Naples, Florida, the usually tranquil streets around the Naples Yacht Club were transformed into a hive of activity as Vice President JD Vance made his first official visit to the city since taking office. The occasion: a high-dollar, private fundraiser for the Republican National Committee (RNC) that drew both enthusiastic supporters and determined protesters, all under the watchful eyes of a formidable security presence.

According to reporting from WINK News, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a VIP movement notification as early as January 22, warning locals of restricted airspace from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on January 28. The airspace restrictions extended north to Vanderbilt Beach Road, east to Collier Boulevard, and south of the Isles of Collier Preserve, covering a substantial swath of Naples. The FAA’s advisory set the stage for what would become a meticulously orchestrated security operation, with the U.S. Secret Service, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and Naples Police Department working in concert to secure the area.

Vice President Vance’s Air Force Two touched down at Naples Airport around 1:40 p.m., greeted by cheers from supporters who had gathered at the airport despite the chilly weather. Naples Daily News reported that dozens of emergency vehicles and hundreds of law enforcement officers had assembled in anticipation of his arrival. Secret Service agents and K9 units conducted thorough security sweeps of vehicles—drivers were asked to pop their hoods and open trunks, a routine that, while tedious, underscored the seriousness of the operation.

From the airport, Vance’s motorcade—trailing a line of luxury vehicles belonging to fundraiser attendees—made its way down 14th Avenue South to the Naples Yacht Club. Traffic delays and detours were inevitable, with road closures affecting passenger and commercial vehicles, though pedestrians and cyclists could sometimes pass through after additional screening. Secret Service spokesperson Matt Fagiana explained to WINK News, “We know roadway closures can impact residents, businesses, and commuters, and we don’t take that lightly. While we can’t share specific operational details, we can confirm the U.S. Secret Service is conducting a protective operation that requires temporary roadway restrictions.”

The event itself was shrouded in secrecy, with details closely guarded and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office declining to confirm specifics for security reasons. Even the location, while widely understood to be the Naples Yacht Club, was not officially disclosed. Attendees paid a steep price for access—either $100,000 or $250,000 per couple, according to photos of the invitation posted on social media and confirmed by the Naples Daily News. The fundraiser, a luncheon, was part of Vance’s ongoing efforts as chairman of the RNC finance committee, a role that places him at the heart of the party’s fundraising and donor relations machine.

Mercedes Price Harry, Lee County GOP Chair, told WINK News that her office had coordinated with the vice president’s team to recruit volunteers for the event, though ultimately their help wasn’t needed. Harry expressed optimism that Vance’s visit would shine a national spotlight on Southwest Florida, potentially bringing in much-needed funding for local infrastructure projects. “I cannot stress the importance of Burnt Store Road,” she said. “You look at Matlacha, look at Pine Island. We are growing so exponentially. We need roads out in East Lee. You know, they're going to finally start working on Daniels Parkway.”

Outside the club, the mood was charged but peaceful. About 50 protesters assembled with signs, voicing opposition to the Trump administration’s policies and, by extension, to Vance’s visit. Paul Stephens, secretary of the Collier County Democratic Party and media liaison for Free Indivisible SWFL, led the demonstration. He told Naples Daily News, “We are here to make it clear that a lot of America disagrees with the Trump administration, and we want the vice president to see that firsthand.” Stephens, a U.S. Navy veteran, was particularly vocal about his concerns regarding the administration’s approach to immigration and foreign policy. “We think our government is taking a dictatorial direction. We have a president who does not pass legislation but rules by what he calls executive orders. I call them kingly fiats.” He added, “As a military man in particular, it’s dishonorable.”

Yet, the day was not without its moments of celebration for the vice president’s supporters. Kimberly Rae Walker, a Naples resident who had requested time off work to attend, was effusive in her praise. “I think I like a lot of his views. And he’s from Ohio, which I’m originally from,” she said. “Sometimes our president kind of goes off the rails and I think it’s very important that we show the Republican Party that we’re here for them.” Walker, bundled against the cold, waved a sign reading, “Make America Great Again. We love you JD Vance!” while another supporter sported a sequined pink hat emblazoned with “TRUMP GIRL.”

Law enforcement maintained a tight perimeter around the club, with sidewalks and grass along 14th Avenue South blocked off and no-parking signs posted well in advance. Media were kept at a distance, with Vance’s team removing reporters from the yacht club property and establishing clear boundaries for coverage. Despite the restrictions, both supporters and protesters made their presence felt, ensuring that the vice president’s brief, two-hour stay in Naples would not go unnoticed.

Vance’s Naples stop was just one leg of a broader fundraising swing through Florida, with a similar RNC dinner scheduled for later that evening in Miami. As the top fundraiser for the Republican Party, Vance’s ability to draw major donors to such exclusive events is seen as critical to the party’s efforts heading into the next election cycle.

For many in Naples, the visit was a rare opportunity to witness the machinery of national politics up close—albeit from behind barricades and security checkpoints. For others, it was a chance to make their voices heard, whether in support or dissent. As the sun set and the motorcade departed, Naples returned to its usual calm, but the echoes of the day’s events lingered: a community divided, engaged, and very much aware of its place in the national spotlight.