Update:
Vice President J.D. Vance spent about two hours in Naples on Wednesday, attending a private, high-dollar fundraiser at the Naples Yacht Club as supporters and protesters gathered nearby.
Vance arrived at Naples Airport around 2 p.m. and was quickly escorted by motorcade to the yacht club, where the invite-only event was held. The VP did not speak publicly during the visit, and reporters were not granted access to the fundraiser.
Watch Fox 4’s Alex Orenczuk report on VP Vance’s visit to Naples:
Vice President JD Vance spent about two hours in Naples on Wednesday
Video provided by the Collier County Republican Executive Committee shows Vance departing Naples aboard Air Force Two later in the afternoon. The organization confirmed Vance was accompanied by his wife, Usha.
Fox 4.
Supporters stand along the motorcade route near the Naples Yacht Club during Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit Wednesday.
Outside the yacht club, roughly 100 people gathered along the motorcade route, holding signs both in support of and opposition to Vance and the Trump administration.
Supporters told Fox 4 they approve of the administration’s policy direction.
“I’m pro-immigration and security at the border, and I think they’ve done a great job there,” Jim Marsh. “If you look at our economy, it’s really starting to take off. We’re excited about what he’s bringing from a policy perspective.”
Fox 4.
Jim Marsh spoke with Fox 4 while showing his support for VP Vance and President Trump.
Others said they were drawn to Vance’s personal values as a reason for their support.
“I like that Vance particularly is a great family man and stands up for American family values,” Cullen Daane.
However, protesters raised concerns over several issues, including the Trump administration’s handling of the Epstein files.
“U.S. Congress, including Republicans, voted to turn it over. That means it’s a law,” said Paul Stephens, referring to the Epstein files. “They will not turn over the files.”
Jean Richardson said her main concern was immigration enforcement policies, and the recent shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by ICE agents in Minnesota.
“JD Vance certainly has the president’s ear and could control some of this,” Richardson said. “I just see it happening before my eyes, and it’s terrifying to me as an American.”
Fox 4.
A protester holds a sign with the names of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Laura Fitzgibbons said she is frustrated with what she described as a lack of accountability at the federal level.
“We need to protect our Constitution,” Fitzgibbons said. “We need to capture back our country and the Constitution.”
Details of Vance’s remarks at the fundraiser were not immediately available. However, Collier County Republican Executive Committee Treasurer Kathi Meo said the event carried a steep price tag.
“I think it was $250,000 a couple, and it was sold out,” Meo said. “I would imagine there were probably at least 100 people, but I can’t say exactly.”
Meo, who served as a volunteer driver during the visit, said the operation was tightly coordinated by the vice president’s team. “They’re impeccable. They did a great, great job,” she said. “Everything ran perfectly smooth.”
Update: Wednesday 5:15 pm
Here’s our first look at the Vice President in Naples. A member of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee gave us this video of Mr. Vance boarding Air Force Two, as he left Naples.
Vice President boarding Air Force Two.MOV
Update: Wednesday 4:04 pm
Air Force Two has left the Naples Airport.
Click here to watch video of it taking off.
VP LEAVES NAPLES
Update: Wednesday 3:40 pm
Vice President Vance has left the the Naples Yacht Club.
Fox 4
A police motorcade escorts Vice President JD Vance to the Naples Airport on Wednesday
Click here to watch the video of his motorcade going to the Naples Airport.
MOTORCADE LEAVING NAPLES
Update: Wednesday 2:05 pm
Vice President Vance has arrived at the Naples Yacht Club for the private fundraiser.
Update: Wednesday: 1:50 pm
Click to see the video of Vice President Vance land at Naples Airport:
VP Vance Landing
Update: Wednesday 12:55 pm
A group of protesters has gathered outside of the Vice President’s fundraiser.
Fox 4
Protesters wait for Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade in Naples on Wednesday
Update: Wednesday 11:55 am
Supporters for the Vice President are starting to show up outside the Naples Yacht Club, waiting to get a glimpse of him as he drives to his fundraiser.
Fox 4
Supporters wait to cheer on Vice President JD Vance outside the Naples Yacht Club on Wednesday
Fox 4
Supporters wait to cheer on Vice President JD Vance outside the Naples Yacht Club on Wednesday
Update: Wednesday 11:45 am
A large group of law enforcement, including the Secret Service, has gathered at the Naples Yacht Club.
Fox 4
Law enforcement gathers outside the Naples Yacht Club on Wednesday ahead of Vice President JD Vance’s fundraiser.
Fox 4
Law enforcement gathers outside the Naples Yacht Club on Wednesday ahead of Vice President JD Vance’s fundraiser.
Original Story
The Collier County Democratic Party tells Fox 4 it will have protesters outside the yacht club throughout the day.
The FAA issued a “VIP Movement Notification” for Naples from 1 pm to 5 pm today.
This is a developing story and we will update it as soon as new information comes in.