Obama for America Opens in Winthrop

The Obama for America office, for securing and serving Southeastern Hillsborough County volunteers, opened at Winthrop in Riverview on May 2, with meeting rooms for residents from Brandon and Valrico, Plant City, Riverview and SouthShore.

“I am a staunch Democrat and  I’ve always been one and I love our president, who’s doing wonders for America right now,” said volunteer Christine Prescod, who was at the office, at 11215 Bloomingale Ave., to sign in visitors and volunteers. “He is a very intelligent president and he takes care of his people, the American citizens.”

Inside, OFA workers rallied visitors to the cause, heralding the Riverview office as the 25th office in Florida — and the second in Hillsborough County — with 182 days left until election day in November.

“We have come too far to turn back now,” said organizer Mike Darmi. “It’s hot today, it’s going to get hotter. We have to be committed to 182 days of fight, so I ask you again, are you fired up?”

The people crowded in what was once the construction trailer for the Winthrop development, co-founded by John and Kay Sullivan, shouted their approval for a concerted effort to reelect the nation’s 44th president.

Winthrop is at the southeastern corner of Bloomingdale Avenue and Providence Road. The Obama for America Office is just east of Regions Bank, and west of the Winthrop Pole Barn and Barn Theatre of Winthrop event spaces.

Lillian Okealeke, the neighborhood team leader for Riverview, said she supports Barack Obama’s bid for re-election because she believes he is the nation’s best chance for adequate health care.

“I was in the hospital for six months and I didn’t have insurance,” she said. “I’m here, to be involved in the election, to make sure nobody else is in that position.”

The Obama for America office at Winthrop will be open six days a week, from  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays.