It's a new day in America: Donald Trump is now the president of the United States.
Trump took the oath of office Friday afternoon, placing his hand on the Lincoln Family Bible seconds before noon.
He then spoke to the crowd of thousands of his supporters. Beginning Friday, he said, the country is about to change.
In an address that seemed to speak directly to the heart of his most ardent supporters, he said, "We are transferring the power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you."
The crowd felt his words to their core, chanting and cheering with each mention Trump made of returning America to its place on high.
"For too long, a small group in our nation’s capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost," he said. "Politicians prospered, but the jobs left and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories. Their triumphs have not been your triumphs.”
The time is now, Trump said, to put America first again. The time is now, he said, to make America great again.
Florida had a heavy presence in Friday's ceremonies. Thousands flocked to the nation's capital to see their next president take his place in the White House.
State lawmakers sat near Trump as he took the oath. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio could be seen on the stage as Trump made his remarks.
A sense of newfound hope could be felt all around the U.S. Capitol. Pops of red from thousands of "Make America Great Again" baseball hats filled the swath of people on the inauguration grounds.
For many Florida Republicans, a politician like Trump has been a long time coming.
"The road to the White House was not an easy one, but regardless of where political loyalties lie, the peaceful transfer of power for this nation is a meaningful and historic day," said Republican Party of Florida Chairman Blaise Ingoglia. "We are grateful to the millions of grassroots leaders and volunteers who worked arduously for this moment and for their unwavering passion of a government accountable to the people."
Expectations are high. Trump has vowed to eliminate the Washington elite power brokers, so the pressure is on for him to make good on his promises.
When the ceremony ended, former President and Michelle Obama waved to supporters outside the Capitol and left by helicopter to begin their new life. The transfer of power was complete.
Trump's new direction hasn't sat well with everyone. He rubbed some Florida politicians the wrong way and several, all Democrats, decided to forego the inauguration. U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson both boycotted Friday's ceremony.
"This decision is not a protest of the results of the Electoral College, but rather, an objection to the demagoguery that continues to define the incoming administration. … President-elect Trump has done little to prove that he is ready to lead this country," Hastings said earlier.
Protesters flooded the city on Friday, trashing Trump, many coming intent on physically disrupting the city. On Thursday, protesters rioted in front of inaugural balls, throwing bottles at partygoers and instigating violence.
Miami Republicans huddled in Washington to watch the inauguration Friday. Most said they were hopeful about the future and Trump's legacy, but also said they hoped the deep wounds left from last year's elections would heal.
Others said they weren't sure much would change under a new president. Jason Webster of Fort Lauderdale said he worried about the evident disparity between Americans' political beliefs and how they would act on them.
"I'm personally hopeful but I do see a complete divide in this country," he told SSN. "I don't think we are headed for unity ... people's lives are going to go through a change. We are definitely headed for separation more than unity."
After the inauguration, Trump headed down Pennsylvania Avenue for a parade. On Friday evening, the festivities will continue with three inaugural balls around the city.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
