South Floridians React to Bin Laden's Death

South Floridians are expressing joy, relief and a wide range of other emotions Monday, hours after learning the news of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Everyone from local politicians to locals who learned of the news at bars showed their jubilation at the news.

Burdett Turnbow was at the Elbow Room on Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale Sunday night when the news broke.

"Everybody went ecstatic and were cheering for the United States and it's a good thing," said Turnbow. "It's closure for the people that died."

Fellow patrons spilled out into the street chanting "USA! USA! USA!"

"I just can't even believe it, I'm just so proud to be an American right now, this was a long time coming," said Stephanie Stalker. "I feel for all the families that were victims of this horrible, horrible day in American history. Finally justice has been served."

The bar owner offered drinks on the house to jubilant patrons who became glued to the news of bin Laden's death.

"We all want to see for ourselves," said Roberto Robles, wanting visual proof. He also caught the news at a bar. "A lot of people felt they would never have peace because of this one man."

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said it was a testament to the hard work of the U.S. Military and intelligence services. She said not only was it a tribute to those killed on 9/11 but also to the service men and women who have died in the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"This is a day where we say to them their death will never be forgotten. Their lives will always be remembered," said Ros-Lehtinen.

Sen. Marco Rubio also said it was a day to remember.

"Just as every American will never forget where we were when America was attacked on 9/11, this moment will forever be remembered by each one of us as the day justice for that tragedy was finally served," Rubio said in a written statement.

Gov. Rick Scott commended President Barack Obama for doing the "right thing" by following what he calls ex-President George W. Bush's "promise of justice."

 "The death of Osama Bin Laden marks a great victory for Americans and for freedom-loving people worldwide. Finally, some degree of justice has been achieved after nearly a decade of death, war and untold sacrifices because of that man," Scott said in an email. "For the loved ones of all those we've lost in this war on terror, may this bring some measure of peace."

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