A sleepy Florida beachside town has suddenly found itself in the middle of a political tug-of-war over something as seemingly harmless as a street sign pertaining to Donald Trump. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, a charming coastal community just north of Fort Lauderdale, is usually known for its laid-back vibes, boutique hotels, and sandy stretches of paradise. But right now? It’s being ripped apart by a proposal to rename its beloved Sea Grape Drive to President Donald J. Trump Drive, and let’s just say, not everyone is clapping at the idea.
Sea Grape Drive isn’t just any road. It’s the main entrance to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, the first thing visitors see when they roll into town. For decades, locals have loved its simple, tropical-sounding name. But when Broward County Republican Chairman Chris Marino pitched the idea of adding Donald Trump’s name, it lit a firestorm. Marino described it as “a symbolic landmark that could attract visitors,” but longtime residents weren’t buying it, per The Daily Mail.
One of the loudest voices against the change is Cristie Furth, who’s been part of the Florida town for over 50 years. Furth says slapping Trump’s name on Sea Grape is nothing more than politicizing what should be a peaceful welcome to their seaside community. “We don’t want any political drive. We just want nice names like Sea Grape and Elmar and beautiful non-controversial entrances to our town,” she told reporters. And she’s not alone. She claims most people she’s spoken with, whether they’re Republicans or Democrats, don’t like the idea either.
Florida Wants To Name A Street After Donald Trump And The Reaction Is Torn
Supporters of the plan argue that Trump is a two-term president who hails from Florida, and has major support in Broward County. Some locals insist the new name could actually boost tourism. One resident, Lee Ann McNabb, even took to social media to say: “Obama has a street in Broward. Trump is a two term president that was overwhelmingly voted in by the American people. He has a place here in Broward just like Obama does.”
Still, not every Trump voter is thrilled. Gary Koenig, who has lived on Sea Grape Drive since 1987, says even he’s against it. “This is political in nature and should never be with this commission. We should be unbiased about everything,” he explained. Koenig made a point that hits hard. Trump hasn’t done anything for the town itself. Meanwhile, he says his roommate spent 20 years fighting to get sidewalks put on their street. If anyone deserves a name on the sign, he argues, it’s her.
What makes this even juicier is the fact that many residents didn’t even know this was being discussed. Furth said she called around to her neighbors on Sea Grape, and they were “shocked and confused” because no official notice had been sent out. For a town of just 6,000 people, it feels like a bombshell dropped out of nowhere.
The Internet Has Plenty To Say
Mayor Edmund Malkoon admitted this is the most divisive issue he’s faced since taking office, and he might not be exaggerating. With nearly 40% of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea registered as Republicans, there’s definitely a strong pro-Trump contingent. But whether that outweighs the desire to keep politics out of their picturesque beach town remains to be seen.
Florida has never shied away from the spotlight, and this latest drama is proof that even the smallest towns can become the stage for America’s political theater. The upcoming commission meeting is expected to be packed as locals hash it out. “Does It Have A Crossroad Called Epstein Way?” one person commented. “He doesn’t deserve it,” said another. “We’d love to have a street name after him,” a third person wrote.
Will Sea Grape Drive remain the breezy, beachy name it’s always been? Or will visitors soon be greeted by a shiny new sign honoring President Donald Trump? One thing is certain: the entire state of Florida will be watching to see if this little town goes full red with its street signs or if it decides to keep its coastal charm politics-free.
Hunter Spears 
Kenna Raye 
