Photos and videos for Headline Surfer / Dana Dougherty, Republican state committeewoman for Volusia County and political columnist for Headline Surfer writes about her experience at the Trump Inauguration and the festivities. This trip to the nation's capital was her chance to unwind from her own successful 2016 re-election as Volusia County state committeewoman. Above, she is featured in a photo collage. At far left, Dougherty stands in front of the Capitol Building and in the insert, Donald Trump is shown on a jumbotron screen being sworn into office as the 45th president of the United States.
By DANA DOUGHERTYThursday was spent visiting the Capitol and then enjoying the evening's Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball. This was not exclusive to Texas residents. I ran into Randy Ross, Orange County's Trump chair while enjoying the festivities the Texas Ball had to offer. Get a About 10,000 people were in attendance. There were multiple rooms hosting entertainment.
With just 2 1/2 hours of sleep, I was up at 3 a.m. so I could be at the entrance to the Yellow Gate secrity for 4 a.m. It was still dark when the gates at 6 a..m while still dark. It was eerie that after just a handful people passed through security then shut it down for about 30 minutes so only a few of us were in the section looking at the empty seats behind us. Once security reopened, it quickly filled up and then it was daybreak with the sun rising as people began filling up the seats.
Everyone around me was excited and enjoyed the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the Uniyed States, with one annoying exception: Two protestors were blowing whistles, but they were quickly arrested without further incident. And these two troublemakers cvertainly didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm, that's for sure.
With just 2 1/2 hours of sleep, I was up at 3 a.m. so I could be at the entrance to the Yellow Gate secrity for 4 a.m. It was still dark when the gates at 6 a..m while still dark. It was eerie that after just a handful people passed through security then shut it down for about 30 minutes so only a few of us were in the section looking at the empty seats behind us. Once security reopened, it quickly filled up and then it was daybreak with the sun rising as people began filling up the seats.
Everyone around me was excited and enjoyed the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the Uniyed States, with one annoying exception: Two protestors were blowing whistles, but they were quickly arrested without further incident. And these two troublemakers cvertainly didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm, that's for sure.
I was amazed how tight security was before, during and after the swearing-in, which is not as defined when watching such an event on TV.
The final main event I attended was the Freedom Ball, one of three official inaugural balls. There was a wide perimeter around the Convention Center hosting the Liberty and Freedom Balls. There was some verbal confrontation between attendees and protesters, but officers provided great potection working hard for safe arrival of attendees to the balls.
And what an experience it was for those of us who were excited to see the President and First Lady have their dance.
Then bright and early it was checkout and departure from Ronald Reagan International Airport and the return flight back to Orlando.
This was a once in a lifetime experience that I am glad to have experienced. Having been to a couple of Republican national conventions, the nightlife of the presidential inauguration was a worthwhile experience.
Governor Rick and First Lady Ann Scott's Florida Sunshine Ball at Andrew Mellon Auditorium in D.C.
John Mica photo bombs picture with David Santiagoand Carey Baker at Governor Rick and First Lady Ann Scott's Florida Sunshine Ball in DC — with David Santiago, John Mica and Carey Baker.
Dana Christina Dougherty and David Siegel — with David Siegel.