Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders appeared before his constituents nationwide in a live stream broadcast Jan. 23.
At Skydive City in Zephyrhills, more than 30 people gathered to watch the live stream. The event was hosted by general manager and co-owner David Hayes.
"[A Sanders victory] It's probably gonna increase my taxes and my payroll; it's gonna force me to pay higher wages to my employees," Hayes said. "And you know what? I'm OK with that."
The Sanders campaign has relied on grassroots organizers to build a constituency of progressive-minded liberals and conservatives. One member of the East Pasco Democratic Club, Don Higgs, praised Sanders' rhetoric for political involvement.
"So I've never been involved in a campaign -- ever --," Higgs said. "In fact, unfortunately, I didn't vote for 20 years. Bernie is just inspiring. He's very inspiring. I like how he talks; that he's not been bought. That what he's doing is for the middle class and the less-than middle class."
Recent polling data from Real Clear Politics and Politico suggest Hillary Clinton has a commanding lead in Florida with more than 60 percent of Democratic voters backing her. Bernie Sanders, on the other hand, has roughly 25 percent.
