Obamas Hit Gulf Coast
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Aug 16, 2010 4:00PM
In an effort to show that the Gulf Coast is "open for business," President Obama made a quick trip to the coast this weekend, accompanied by First Lady Michelle and daughter Sasha (Malia's off at camp). The Obamas hit the Florida panhandle for a mix of work, play, and photo ops as Obama met with Coast Guard and clean-up workers while also taking in some food, miniature golf, and a swim in the Gulf with Sasha. Said Obama:
“Today, the well is capped. Oil is no longer flowing into the Gulf. It has not been flowing for a month. And I’m here to tell you that our job is not finished, and we are not going anywhere until it is. I made a commitment in my visits here that I was going to stand with you not just until the well was closed, not just until the oil was cleaned up — but until you have fully recovered from the damage that’s been done. And that is a commitment my administration is going to keep."
Florida governor Charlie Crist, who, along with several small business owners, met with Obama to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts, said of the appearance, "It's the biggest single commercial you could imagine." The visit also comes as the first commercial shrimping season since the spill gets underway with trepidation and concerns while testing continues to prepare for relief well drilling. President Obama will be back on the Gulf Coast in two weeks to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.