Obama to visit Pensacola; U.S. 98 in Gulf Breeze to close

PENSACOLA — President Barack Obama will visit the Pensacola area Tuesday morning on the second day of a two-day trip through Alabama, Mississippi and Florida as he gets briefed on the ongoing Deepwater Horizon oil spill crisis.

Obama is expected to visit Pensacola Beach before meeting with military personnel at Naval Air Station Pensacola. At NAS Pensacola, he will discuss the strength and resilience of the country and the American people, a White House official said.

“The president will deliver a message of support to Pensacola and Panhandle communities affected by the spill and a message of support to troops in time of war,” she said.

Prior to the appearance at NAS Pensacola, the president is expected to visit Pensacola Beach and discuss response efforts with elected officials, the official said in an e-mail message.

A news release announced that “the president will be visiting the Pensacola Beach area” and stated that U.S. Highway 98 in Gulf Breeze will be completely closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“Due to safety concerns by Secret Service and presidential staff, Highway 98 will be entirely closed to traffic,” the release said. “No vehicles will be allowed to enter Highway 98 during this time.”

U.S. 98 will be closed from the Gulf Breeze city limits at Bayshore Road westward into Pensacola, including the Pensacola Bay Bridge.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office said motorists will be instructed to use State Road 87 or the Garcon Point Bridge to get to Interstate 10.

The Sheriff’s Office also said that no vehicles would be allowed on Pensacola Beach after 8 a.m.

Areas of downtown Pensacola will also be closed prior to 8 a.m.