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Expect delays on roadways in south Pinellas County and at all bay area airports.
By MIKE BRASSFIELD
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 7, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- You probably won't see President Bush on Friday, but you may well feel his presence.
Presidential visits inevitably lead to traffic delays on the roads and in the skies.
In this case, the presidential motorcade is apt to cause traffic delays Friday morning in north St. Petersburg, and, around lunchtime, on Interstate 275 and in St. Pete Beach. Some flight delays are possible at Tampa International Airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, and smaller local airports such as Albert Whitted and Vandenburg.
Bush is scheduled to visit a St. Petersburg computer company Friday morning, then a GOP fundraiser in the afternoon at the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa.
For security reasons, the president's office won't release the route of his motorcade. However, his travels will likely affect traffic along several major arteries in south Pinellas County.
"Whenever the president comes to town, it's common that there may be some short traffic delays," St. Petersburg police spokesman Rick Stelljes said.
Security arrangements for Bush's visit are secret. But if past presidential visits are any guide, here is what will happen Friday:
No flights will take off from any airport in Tampa Bay's airspace while Air Force One is approaching. After it lands at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport in the morning, the president will visit America II Electronics, a privately owned computer parts distributor on 118th Avenue N.
Bush will be attending what is described as "a roundtable discussion of corporate responsibility." Morning traffic on busy Roosevelt Boulevard will be affected.
Later, the president's entourage most likely will take Interstate 275 and the Pinellas Bayway to St. Pete Beach. During previous presidential stopovers, portions of the interstate have been temporarily closed to make way for the motorcade.
Bush's stop at the Don CeSar will likely slow down traffic on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach as well.
None of Friday's events are open to the public.
Security arrangements will involve Secret Service agents, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and officers with the St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach police departments, among other agencies.