Obama’s Visit to Promote Panama City Beach
First Family Vacation Expected to Boost Labor Day Reservations
By Allan Boyles
(Photo courtesy AP)
“Beaches all along the Gulf Coast are clean, they are safe and they are open for business,” said President Obama. The President, first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha (older daughter Malia was at summer camp) visited Panama City Beach August 14 and 15 to show Americans that despite the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visitors can still enjoy a vacation on our beaches.
“(We Came) to let our fellow Americans know that they should come on down here. It is spectacular. Not just to support the region; come down here because it’s just a beautiful place to visit,” said Obama.
Resorts, hotels, restaurants, fishing charters, stores and attractions are fully open in anticipation of a busy Labor Day weekend. While Panama City Beach experienced no more than a few tar balls as a result of the oil spill, the public perception of smelly, oil-coated beaches took it’s toll on nearly every facet of business this summer.
Air Force One touched down on the runway on Tyndall AFB where the Obama’s greeted and thanked Air Force personnel before boarding Marine One for a short flight to the Panama City Naval Station and Coast Guard Station. President Obama met with officials and business owners regarding the impact of the oil spill on the local economy. Governor Charlie Crist, Panama City Mayor Scott Clemons, Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus were in attendance.
While in Panama City Beach, The Obama’s took a boat cruise around St. Andrews Bay aboard the Bay Point Lady. Sasha even got to drive, of course, with the help of her dad.
The first family shot a game of mini-golf at Pirate’s Island and swam in the Gulf. On Sunday, Michelle Obama and Sasha visited WonderWorks and they all stopped for ice cream at Bruster’s after leaving Bay Point Marriott Resort, where they stayed.
(Photo courtesy AP)
The President also gave a speech and outlined 3 steps to the oil spill recovery he intends to see through. 1.) Beaches and waters of the Gulf must be cleaned. President Obama said, “The majority of the oil has evaporated, been dispersed, skimmed or burned off by cleanup crews, scientists are reporting.” 2.) Local economy must be returned to its original condition. 3.) People affected must be compensated and BP must be held accountable.
The President stated, “Any delay by BP or the people overseeing these claims is unacceptable, and I will keep pushing to have those claims expedited.” Obama said, “It’s my job to make sure we live up to this responsibility: that we keep up our efforts until the environment is cleaned up, polluters are held accountable, businesses and communities are made whole, and the (people of the) coast are back on their feet.”
Obama’s trip to Panama City Beach was the first to this region and to Tyndall AFB, but fifth to the Gulf Coast.