Rubio Booted From Second Office Because of Protests
Jacksonville office asked to vacate after senator asked to leave Tampa office last week
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio is being booted from a second Florida office due to rowdy protesters, this time in Jacksonville.
Crowds opposed to President Donald Trump’s agenda have gathered weekly in front of Rubio’s seven statewide office buildings, waving signs and calling out messages. Rubio had to clear out of his Tampa office, where he had been a tenant since 2014, last Friday.
“In Jacksonville, these protestors weren’t just impacting our two person office, they were impacting the children being served next door at a pediatric behavioral clinic, which is why we understand the decision not to renew our lease,” Rubio spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci told the Tampa Bay Times.
Mandreucci said that neither of the offices are used for political or campaign purposes and they are both staffed by two people who help people with Medicare, Social Security and veterans’ benefits.
“Those who disagree with President Trump and Senator Rubio certainly have a right to exercise their First Amendment rights, and most of them have done so in a productive and respectful way,” Mandreucci said. “But unfortunately, some of them have chosen to do so in a manner that potentially hinders their fellow Floridians’ ability to receive help from our office.”
Mandreucci told the newspaper that the staff in Jacksonville will continue to provide services like they will in Tampa despite not having an office until new space is secured. Rubio has until April 30 to clear out in Jacksonville. The Tampa office closed on Friday.