Locals make the case for — and against — presidential vacation (PHOTOS)

On Monday afternoon, Abbi Ketchersid enjoyed one of her last days of summer vacation by swimming in the pool and playing at the Kelly Plantation park. The Log asked 10-year-old Abbi, “Why should President Obama visit Destin?”

“The history about Destin is kind of important,” said Abbi. “He’s so busy dealing with other places that he needs to learn about Destin.”

Later in the afternoon, overlooking a clear Gulf of Mexico, Frank Gordon tended bar at The Back Porch. He also weighed in on the prospect of the president visiting Destin.

“Like him or not, people are going to listen to him,” said Gordon. “We’ve seen Michelle visit Panama City. It couldn’t hurt if the president did the same thing here.”

Gordon went on to say that Destin businesses are hurting because inappropriate national media coverage, and he believes that a trip from the president could go a long way in spreading a more positive message.

“The biggest thing that’s hurting Destin is misinformation,” he said.

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Others around Destin also had plenty of advice for the Obama family on their upcoming vacation.

•Capt. Olin Marler of Olin Marler Charter Fishing, while pointing to all the boats sitting in their slips: “He should make an appearance here, so he could see how the oil spill is affecting us. Expenses go on whether we’re fishing or at the docks.”

•Sandy and Denny Honer who take fish pictures at the docks for HD Action Photography: “It certainly couldn’t hurt. It would be good to get the Destin name out and how pretty it is here.”

•Capt. Jim Westbrook of the New Florida Girl wasn’t keen on the prospect of a visit from the First Family: “I don’t see (Destin) as a presidential concern at the present time. It would be a waste of taxpayer money. He has no expertise in this area (fishing along the Gulf Coast).” It might be more beneficial to send someone from the Department of Interior or the Department of Commerce to this area, Westbrook said.

•Destin Mayor Sam Seevers said there is no doubt that President Obama should stay in Destin. “We have the most beautiful, pristine beaches anywhere. We have one of the largest fishing fleets in the United States, the friendliest people and the best restaurants anywhere to be found,” Seevers said.

•Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shane Moody said he would support the president and first family coming to Destin. “They would come here for the same reason everyone else does that likes to come here. It’s the world’s most beautiful beaches. There is so much to do here — I would even take him (President Obama) to play golf if he wanted to go,” Moody said.

The Log also posed the question to its fans on Facebook. Here is what they said.

San Gelato: “We know how much Sasha & Malia LOVE gelato and sorbet! Our authentic Italian gelateria is just like the ones they visited in Italy! The whole first family can enjoy any number of our artisan menu selections while walking around one of the largest designer outlets in the country, Silver Sands Factory Stores!”

John Holahan: “Sorry for being a pessimist, but I would prefer they stay far away from Destin as they were nowhere to be found in our time of need! They should go to Orange Beach or Gulf Shores, which were much more affected by the spill than Destin.”

Zachary Bo McLean: “Give him a plane ticket back to Kenya.”

Dale K. Robinson: “Even if tourism is down right now, Hwy. 98 is congested enough without the Obamas adding to it.”

Scott Mitch: “Well I would love to see Destin in the news, to put the name back in people's heads. As a small family business owner I think the press around the Obama's visit would be great. I am not a supporter nor a voter of his, but the press would be good for the area and we need good in this area. I know he loves a good hamburger so he needs to come try the best the Emerald Coast has to offer... We will be glad to serve up one of our delicious greasy burgers at TOPS for the president. We can also serve up our grilled chicken if they so choose.

Jim Chavers: “They should go to Arizona.”

Laurie Aldieri: “They should come because it will give me a great reason to leave town for a few days.”

Cheryl Dean: “They should come here because NO ONE can doubt our creator when they see his creation called Destin.”