Lara Trump headlined the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee’s “Trump Day Dinner” last Thursday in Palmetto.
PALMETTO, FLA – The Manatee County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC)hosted Lara Trump as their keynote speaker at their first annual Trump Day Dinner fundraiser at the Bradenton Area Convention Center and Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto last Thursday.
The event, one the first major political events held between the new hotel and convention center, proved to be a remarkable evening that reflected growth and momentum within Manatee County and new energy from local Republican grassroots initiatives.
Lara Trump delivered a optimistic, principled and forward-looking speech which resonated deeply with the attendees. Her message spoke of enduring Republican values that have united the party for generations: faith, family, freedom, and a belief in American exceptionalism.
Equally important, the success of the evening proved a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteer leadership of the MCREC. The executive board and committee members worked tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver an event that was welcoming, well-organized, and impactful.
“It was a true team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment to our mission and to the voters of Manatee County,” said MCREC Chair Mark Flanagan.”
The event began with a VIP reception including photo opportunities with Lara Trump in one of the ballrooms at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa followed by a formal dinner at the Bradenton Area Convention Center where, alongside Lara Trump, attendees heard from Republican leaders like Congressman Vern Buchanan, former Senator Bill Galvano, Senate President-Designate Senator Jim Boyd and others.
To conclude the event, the MCREC presented and awarded Kathleen King as their Statesperson of the Year Award winner.
Overall, the MCREC considered the event a major success to start the 2026 election cycle and is proud to have brought such a nationally recognized name to Manatee County.
“This evening was a tremendous reflection of the strength of our grassroots and the dedication of our volunteer leadership. Events like this don’t happen by accident—they happen because good people step up and serve. I am humbled to lead such an amazing organization and such a fantastic group of energetic, principled, and hard working people. I could not be more proud of our executive board and committee members; their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment made this a night to remember,” said Flanagan.
“It was a wonderful event that highlighted the success of the newly revitalized Manatee REC and demonstrated what we can accomplish when our conservative leaders come together. The debut of the new convention center ballroom, paired with a high-profile speaker and an impressive turnout, made for an outstanding kickoff to the 2026 election cycle,” said State Committee Woman Jayne Kocher.
MCREC Treasurer Landon Ellis echoed her remarks stating “What a privilege it was to have Lara Trump in our brand new community center, sharing her brilliance and energy with everyone in attendance. She truly reminded us of the precision, dedication, and love her family has for this nation. Most of all, she reinforced what we are all called to do: serve one another.”
State Committeeman Jennings DePriest, who was also in attendance, said “it was an honor to have Lara Trump here in Manatee County to continue pushing forward the America First agenda. America First, Always.”
Following the dinner at the convention center, the event concluded with a VIP after-party outdoors at the Marriott Resort & Spa that featured an intimate setting – as well as more fundraising opportunities – underneath the glow of lights, cigars, and live music featuring local artist Jordan Varnadore and touring artist Dave Freeman performing dueling pianos.
“It was a simply incredible event,” Varnadore said, who also serves as the Secretary for the MCREC. “I was blessed enough to wear a few different hats throughout the evening as a native, a Republican, a board member and as the entertainment. As a Palmetto and Manatee County native, having an event of this magnitude right here in Palmetto was truly incredible. The new venues are absolutely beautiful and work extremely well in conjunction with each other. It is sometimes hard to believe we have that right here in Palmetto,” Varnadore said.
“As for the planning and execution of the event, both staffs of the venues are incredible to work with – especially with this magnitude of something like this – and I can’t say enough about the incredible volunteers of the MCREC and the countless hours they dedicated to serve our community,” Varnadore added. “It is great to be a Republican in Manatee County right now.”
Varnadore did have one critique of the live entertainment offering, “I think they can get about 50% better there in the future.”
The MCREC now turns their full attention to the 2026 election cycle with more events to be announced soon.
