Sen. Rubio asked to vacate Jacksonville office

The Jacksonville office for Sen. Marco Rubio is closing, the second district office in Florida to close following protests.

A spokesperson for Rubio says unruly behavior of some anti-Trump protesters was impacting other businesses, and they were asked to not renew their lease.

"In Jacksonville, these protesters weren't just impacting our two person office, they were impacting the children being served next door at a pediatric behavioral clinic, which is why we understand the decision not to renew our lease. Our Tampa and Jacksonville offices are not political or campaign offices. They are small, two person offices that help Floridians in the region with issues such as Medicare, Social Security and veterans benefits," said spokeswoman Christina Mandreucci.

Rubio's Tampa staff was asked to leave after the building owner said rallies had become too disruptive to the other tenants.

"Just as we are doing in Tampa, our staff in Jacksonville will continue to provide services to Northeast Florida despite not having an office, until a new office space is secured. Those who disagree with President Trump and Senator Rubio certainly have a right to exercise their First Amendment rights, and most of them have done so in a productive and respectful way. But unfortunately, some of them have chosen to do so in a manner that potentially hinders their fellow Floridians’ ability to receive help from our office," said Mandreucci.

The existing lease in Jacksonville, at 1650 Prudential Drive on the Southbank, is currently month-to-month, which requires 30-day notice to terminate.

The current lease ends on April 30, and Rubio staff will start looking for new office space this week.

Cox Media Group