Gillum Campaign Rolls Into South Florida

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Crisscrossing the state to drum up support and get out the vote early, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mayor Andrew Gillum "Bring it Home" bus tour rolled into South Florida on Thursday.

Gillum started his morning in Key West.

He then brought it home to his hometown of Richmond Heights.

"This is the church where i was baptized," Gillum said. "This is the neighborhood I grew up in."

With just 5 days left until Election Day, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee walked his old neighborhood with his mom.

He's trying to make sure his supporters get out and vote.

"There's no sense in waiting," he said. "Today is Election Day. Tomorrow is Election Day. Saturday, Sunday, Monday are elections days. On Tuesday yall, we're bringing it home."

Gillum is on an exhaustive campaign swing around South Florida, with 8 stops in on Thursday, going from Key West to Miami Gardens.

In Homestead at Miami-Dade College he urged students to vote, noting young people are not voting in expected numbers.

He said that needs to change quickly.

"Right now they're telling me that young people are not going to turn out and vote, that the going wisdom is that we are moment people, not movement people," Gillum told the crowd. "But I believe that we collectively are about to send a different message to them in a few short days."

He's also telling supporters that with their help, they can send a message to the president.

"In 5 days we have a chance to send an unapologetic message, and say that is not who we are," Gillum said. "To say that is not the American way. That we are not going to give way to fear and hatred and division, but we're going to choose hope and unity and prosperity for all of us."

Other stops through the day included Kendall, North Miami, Miami Gardens, Miami and Perinne.

Gillum's final event Thursday took him to Traz Powell Stadium at Miami-Dade College's north campus for a high school football game.

He was there for the game between Carol City and American High.

It capped off a day, and echoed a campaign thus far, that has taken the candidate to places that you don't traditionally see candidates.

"I am sick of Democrats treating the race for Governor as if it's the electoral college," Gillum said. "We don't win one county and lose another. Pick up one county and lose another. The one who wins is the one who gets one more vote. And we are convinced that vote will come from anywhere."

Gillum has a packed day on Friday, too.

He'll be in Pembroke Pines in the morning, followed by events taking him to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.

There is also a rally happening in Downtown Miami with former President Barack Obama.

With just five days left before election day, Gillum is taking his campaign to every corner of the state to tell voters as governor he would fight for affordable healthcare and education reform, he would protect Florida's environment and work to make the state's economy one that gives everyone a shot.

"We win this race, we're going to do the difficult work that is going to be required to make this state into one where people can work one job instead of two or three jobs in order to make ends meet," he told an enthusiastic crowd in Pensacola on Thursday.

The Democratic nominee has also taken a stand against attacks from President Trump citing his "hateful and divisive rhetoric."

On Friday, former President Barack Obama will campaign with Gillum, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, and Florida Democrats at Ice Palace Film Studios in Miami.

Saturday afternoon, the Mayor of Margaritaville - singer Jimmy Buffett - will perform a short solo acoustic set at the Meyer Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach at a rally for Gillum, Senator Bill Nelson, and all state Democrats on the ballot.

"If you haven't noticed yet, there is an election next Tuesday, and I am glad to support Mayor Andrew Gillum for governor, and my longtime friend Senator Bill Nelson for re-election," Buffett said. "Clean water, clean beaches and clean energy are the lifeblood of Florida now and in the future. Hurricanes aren't getting any smaller, the tides aren't getting lower, and we need to build to codes that protect our families and our homes. Vote Tuesday, and let's get back to living Floridays."