Dave Berman

FLORIDA TODAY

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio plans to make a campaign appearance in Melbourne on Monday afternoon, one day before the crucial Florida Republican primary.

Jason Steele, Brevard County finance chairman for the Rubio campaign, said the plan is for Rubio to stop at 2 p.m. Monday at That Little Restaurant at 1749 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne. The restaurant was an early stop on Rubio's successful U.S. Senate campaign in 2010.

Rubio plans to address supporters at Monday's event, which is scheduled to run about one hour.

Details are being finalized.

Rubio focuses on Florida voters this week

There are 99 convention delegates at stake in Florida's winner-take-all Republican primary, which is seen as make-or-break for Rubio's campaign.

Rubio is one of four remaining GOP candidates for president. The front-runner is billionaire businessman Donald Trump, who has won 458 delegates so far, with 1,237 needed for the nomination. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has 359 delegates, Rubio has 151, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich has 54.

Rubio leads in Brevard campaign contributions

Bill Goldsmith, who co-owns That Little Restaurant with his wife, Noreen, said he is excited that Rubio will be visiting his restaurant.

"He's been here a couple of times" during his 2010 campaign — once for a campaign strategy lunch meeting and once for a campaign rally, Goldsmith said.

"He's an impressive young man," Goldsmith said. "I like him. I think I gave him his first $250" for his Senate campaign.

Goldsmith said the restaurant seats 99 people, but he will try to squeeze as many people in as is allowed. Plus, there is a good-sized parking lot outside, Goldsmith noted.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott held a campaign rally outside That Little Restaurant during his first campaign in 2010, and stopped by there for lunch in 2014 while he was in Brevard County for several meetings.

Rubio also was in Brevard on Nov. 6 for a fundraiser at the Indian Harbour Beach home of attorneys Geoff and Susan Smith.

Contact Berman at 321-242-3649 or dberman@floridatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByDaveBerman and on Facebook at facebook.com/dave.berman.54