Jeb Bush says little before fundraiser in Longboat Key

LONGBOAT KEY -- Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush spent Monday evening surrounded by supporters at the Longboat Key home of Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

Arriving shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday in a white Suburban, the 62-year-old former Florida governor barely paused to talk to reporters, but did say Buchanan is one of his greatest supporters in the area.

"I got a lot of support," Bush said, his face partly shaded by towering palm trees.

Asked if he felt happy to have the support of Longboat Key residents, the bespectacled politician said "absolutely."

Bush slipped into his jacket and continued walking toward the yellow mansion, ignoring all other questions.

By 6:30 p.m. when the fundraiser was to begin, more than two dozen vehicles lined the street across from Buchanan's home after being parked by valet attendants in red shirts.

Multiple arrivals declined comment when approached by a Herald reporter.

"No thank you, ma'am," said an older man after stepping out of his vehicle.

A cluster of three young women walked on the sidewalk together toward the event.

"We're not allowed, sorry," said one of them, flashing a sympathetic smile as she turned into the driveway.

Another woman walking in with a man was approached for comment by a Herald reporter.

"Uh, I actually can't (comment)," she said. "I actually work here."

Attendees included Manatee County developer Pat Neal and state Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton.

The Republican Party of Sarasota County, which noted it does not endorse in a primary, listed more than two dozen people in the campaign event invite, including Ron Ciaravella, owner of Dolphin Aviation, and former state House Speaker Will Weatherford.

Galvano, who served in the Florida Legislature when Bush was governor, was one of the evening's hosts. The 49-year-old senator told the Bradenton Herald early Monday afternoon he saw firsthand how effective a leader Bush is.

"He is a bold thinker, he's a reformer and is someone that I truly admire. I've known him for many, many years -- even before I was in the Florida House of Representatives," Galvano said. "I appreciate someone who takes a practical approach to government and yields results and exercises leadership."

Galvano brought up how the state weathered multiple hurricanes in one season during Bush's time as Florida governor.

"With Jeb Bush at the helm, Florida was able to get through that period and we hit high levels of prosperity," he said. "I admired for many years the way he has empowered families, especially with regards to education. He's one of the innovators on job creation in the state of Florida. ... diversifying the economy and bringing new industries into Florida."

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter@AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 10:17 PM with the headline "Jeb Bush says little before fundraiser in Longboat Key ."