A Trump Flotilla draws dozens of boats to Lake Erie for a rally on the water on Aug. 10. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

On Aug. 10, close to 100 boats gathered near the Port Clinton Lighthouse for a Trump Flotilla organized by Ottawa County Republican Party Chair Jill Steinbaugh and Pete Atherton. Atherton led the flotilla on his boat with passengers Steinbaugh, State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, State Rep. Josh Williams, Vickie Savage and Pete’s wife, Sheila Atherton.

“It’s like a rally on the water, and people love to do it,” Stinebaugh said.

decorated boat passes behind State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, left, and State Rep. Josh Williams during the Trump Flotilla. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Several dignitaries spoke to flotilla boaters by phone, including State Senator Theresa Gavarone, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Attorney General Dave Yost, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, congressional candidate Derek Merrin, congressional candidate Bernie Moreno and Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou.

Swearingen was grateful for the chance to ride in the flotilla with Stinebaugh and the Athertons.

“It was a nice way for our community to come together and enjoy the lake,” Swearingen said.

Williams, too, enjoyed the opportunity to ride in the flotilla.

“I’m grateful for Jill Stinebaugh organizing the flotilla,” Williams said. “I’m grateful for all the elected officials who called in and for the boaters who came out to show we’re energized going into the November election.”

State Rep. Josh Williams, left, Ottawa County Republican Party Chair Jill Steinbaugh, center, and State Rep. D.J. Swearingen boated together for the Aug. 10 Trump Flotilla. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Williams talked about the importance of voting.

“I encourage everyone to vote so we can hold our elected officials accountable,” he said. “Elected officials should represent the people in the State of Ohio.”

Stinebaugh said the community has been asking for another flotilla.

“Since we had it in 2020, I’ve had requests yearly to do it,” she said. “People were really excited about it. The weather didn’t cooperate. We had wind and waves, but it was still a lot of fun.”