Trump shows Sarasota some love

SARASOTA — Donald Trump thrust Sarasota County into national headlines, with the announcement that the presidential candidate plans to open his first Florida office in this county by Nov. 1.

Trump also chose local GOP Chairman Joe Gruters to lead his campaign in the state.

“I plan to play an active role in all aspects of the campaign,” Gruters told the Sarasota Observer, sister paper of the Business Observer, while en route to introduce Trump at a rally in Miami Friday. “It's all-inclusive — right now I'm helping put together team members and pick the location for an office."

Gruters was instrumental in bringing Trump to Sarasota for the 2012 Statesman of the Year fundraiser at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, attended by more than 1,000 people. The Sarasota GOP again honored the real estate mogul with the award earlier this year.

"We've been in contact ever since the first Statesman of the Year,” Gruters says.

A local CPA who is currently running for the state House of Representatives, Gruters says he is looking at high-visibility locations, such as Tamiami Trail, Fruitville Road and Clark Road for Trump's state headquarters.

“It's a great position — I think it's great for Sarasota and obviously it's great for me,” Gruters says. “I got involved in politics to have an impact and make a difference and think the small part I will be able to play in Florida will go along with achieving that goal.”