Harborside Event Center in Downtown Fort Myers is packed with 1,500 people waiting in rapt attention for President Barack Obama to appear. Obama is in Fort Myers today to push his economic stimulus bill, which is currently being debated in the Senate.
The White House traveling press corps also has descended upon Harborside, and was duly screened twice by local law enforcement and the Secret Service before being allowed entrance. The Cape Coral Police Department also is aiding the Fort Myers Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to provide security for the event.
Among the most intent listeners in today’s audience will be Cape Coral Mayor Jim Burch, who lobbied in Washington earlier this month for more stimulus funds be sent directly to cities and counties without first being routed through the states.