Mediaboss Marketing

Pecking Order Fried Chickens Bridgit Stone-Budd welcomes Vice President Mike Pence to Sanibel Island, Fla., on Saturday with an invite for fried chicken, waffles and fried pickles on the house. Patricia Borns/news-press.com

The plane (Air Force Two) of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence lands Saturday at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida. Pence is believed to be visiting Sanibel Island over the weekend.(Photo: Kinfay Moroti/news-press.com)Buy Photo

It hasnt been officially confirmed.

However, circumstances point to Vice President Mike Pence returning to Southwest Florida and his presumed vacation shortly after 6 p.m., following a day trip to Washington, D.C.

This was more than an hour past the window of time listed in an FAA "Notice to Airmen" for a temporary restriction on air space use near Southwest Florida International Airport.

And, the plane that a handful of people saw land from a nearby observation lot wasnt the huge 747 jet Pence arrived in on Saturday.

Instead, it was a much-smaller Air Force Gulfstream jet, said Daniel Felton. Hes a commercial pilot who lives nearby, and thought he might catch a glimpse of the arrival from the observation lot on the airfields north side.

Vice President Mike Pence, wife start Sunday at Sanibel church

Why is Felton convinced that indeed was the jet carrying Pence? Besides the plane'smarkings, Felton sawthe cars lined up on Chamberlin Parkway and Air Cargo Lane, stopped by law enforcement officers shortly after the Gulfstream landed and a small motorcade sped from Private Sky Aviation Services toward Daniels Parkway.

Also, there was the ear-piercing siren blast that sounded before and after its landing.

That, Felton said, signaled a ground stop of all aircraft operations, which is probably very usual when youre dealing with VIPs such as the president or the vice president.

Felton also noted that aircraft size does not make a particular plane Air Force Two. A vice president of the United States traveling aboard makes it Air Force Two.

If Monday's motorcade indeed carried Pence, he would have returned to Sanibel in time for one of its belovedwaterfront sunsets.

Pence arrived in Southwest Florida on Saturday, and rode in a motorcade to Sanibel Island.

On Sunday morning, he attended the 8 a.m. service at Sanibel Community Church.

Based on aNotice to Airmen posted concerning a temporary restriction on air space use, it appeared that Air Force Twowould return to RSW sometime between 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

That time window passed before the Air Force Gulfstream was sighted. And as of 5:30 p.m. Monday, no new notice had been posted on the FAA website.

Connect with this reporter @Alvascribe (Twitter) and LauraPatrickRuane (Facebook).

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Read or Share this story: http://newspr.es/2oRkW18

Visit link:
VP Mike Pence commuting from Sanibel for Gorsuch ceremony? - The News-Press

A professor who specializes in religious studies at University of California, Los Angeles says President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence represent troubling trends in American Christianity.

Professor Carla Pestana of UCLA published Arrogant Christians In The White House over the weekend for The Huffington Post, which warns of a future America shaped by the fundamentalist Christian views of Mr. Pence and Mr. Trumps self-indulgence.

Pence adheres to biblical literalism. Put simply, this view asserts that the Bible is a transparent document, one that prescribes specific behavioral guidelines, Ms. Pestana wrote Saturday. Its arrogance lies in the hubris of those who believe that only their chosen answers are correct. Its potential to harm others comes when adherents gain political power and force their mandates on nonbelievers. One of the many dangers emanating out of the Trump White House is the power of Pence to impose not his religion but the behaviors his religion dictates onto the rest of us.

The professor, who currently teaches History of Religion in U.S., then analyzed Mr. Trumps faith as something akin to the prosperity theology adopted by some Christians.

Trumps religion, although very different, is similarly alarming, she wrote. Unsurprisingly Trump accepts a religious viewpoint that tells him he is uniquely awesome. Whatever he has however he acquired it God wants him to enjoy to the fullest. Although traditional Christian social practice mandates that believers exercise humility, charity and other virtues that put others before self, Trumps faith rejects all curbs on self-indulgence and self-aggrandizement.

Quotes by the president and vice president to buttress the professors claims were not provided.

Mr. Pence, a lawyer and Indianas former governor, has a long track record of stating his respect for the U.S. Constitution and the rule of law.

The presidency must adhere to its definition as expressed in the Constitution, and to conduct defined over time and by tradition, Mr. Pencesaid while addressing Hillsdale College students on Sept. 20, 2010. While the powers of the office have enlarged, along with those of the legislature and the judiciary, the framework of the government was intended to restrict abuses common to classical empires and to the regal states of the 18th century.

Presidents change and lawmakers come and go, but The Washington Times is always here, and FREE online. Please support our efforts.

The rest is here:
Carla Pestana, UCLA religion professor, attacks Donald Trump and ... - Washington Times

Residents on Sanibel Island in Southwest Florida noticed a familiar face this weekend

Vice President Mike Pence is vacationing on the island with his wife until April 15.

Many residents said they have spotted his motorcade around the island since Saturday. They are staying in a home on the water, in an undisclosed location, with several secret service agents in tow.

Dave and Lynn Padgett, who live close by, hope to see him while cruising on their boat. Other neighbors could also be seen on their boats hoping to wave hello.

However, boaters did keep their distance, as secret service is also monitoring the home from the sea.

"Normally on a beautiful day like today, you would have different people out on the canal and then turn around. Today, none!" said Lynn.

People at local shops took notice of Pence in town, too.

Laurie Glanzat a Sanibel surf shop tweeted to Pence Saturday, hoping he would stop by during her shift. She even wants to buy him one of their t-shirts.

"Every now and then, I'm looking at the door waiting," she said laughing. "I would just like to tell him thank you," said Glanz.

Pence and his wife were also seen attending a Palm Sunday service at the Sanibel Community Church in the morning.

Some flight regulations are in place over the island for the duration of Pence's stay, before he leaves to Asia. The Padgetts are wishing him a wonderful vacation.

"This is a great place to relax, and we're glad he picked Sanibel to enjoy some time off with his family," said Dave Padgett.

More here:
Vice President Mike Pence, family enjoy vacation on Sanibel Island - WPTV.com

USA Today Network Michael Braun, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press 3:38 p.m. ET April 9, 2017

Since the first part of 2017, Vice President Mike Pence hasn't appeared before photographers in anything but a business suit. On Feb. 22, 2017, he took off his coat to help volunteers clean up Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Mo., after vandalism at the Jewish cemetery.(Photo: Michael Thomas, Getty Images)

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. Red Anderson may not have seen Vice President Mike Pence when he stopped Sunday for early morning services at Sanibel Community Church but the 93-year-old former Purdue University basketball player surely noticed his security detail.

"All the guys over there I thought were a singing group," said Anderson, a spry and witty Indiana native and Sanibelsnowbird. "I asked them if they were going to perform. I wasn't awarethat they were Secret Service."

Anderson said the agents weren't too thrilled at his question, he said. "They kinda looked awry at me," said Anderson, who was manning the church coffee table outside the services.

Reports: Secret Service agent on Pence detail consorted with prostitute

Vice President Mike Pence spends spring break in Florida

Anderson said he played basketball at Purdue about 70 years ago. "I knew (former UCLA coach and Purdue player) John Wooden. But he was a bit older."

The vice president and his wife attended the olive-drab-colored church's 8 a.m. traditional service, said member Steve Solakar, and even took communion.

"Pastor (Daryl)Donovan acknowledgedthe vice president and prayed for him and the president," Solakar said.

The full-time Sanibel resident said that Pence is probably the highest level dignitary to have taken in the island church's services.

"Ben Carson was here once, but that was before he ran," Solakar said. "Nobody as high as the vice president has been here."

Red Anderson, 93, didn't get a look at Vice President Mike Pence when he attended services at Sanibel Community Church on Sunday morning but did see his Secret Service entourage but thought they were a singing group. Anderson, a church member, manned the coffee table for the church on Sunday.(Photo: Michael Braun/The News-Press)

Donovan said that Pence has been to the church beforewhen he would vacation here during his tenure as Indiana governor and other dignitaries who attend from time to time included former CIA director Porter Goss and the former United States Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence retired Gen. Jerry Boykin.

Donovan, who said a couple members also attend church with Pence in Indiana, said he had no idea that the vice president was inclined to come to services.

"I heard he was going to be on the island," he said. "About 7:30 a line of black SUVs started pulling in the parking lot."

Donovan said he felt honored, especially since Pence and his wife got in just last night and then attended the congregation's 8 a.m. service.

"He was so genuine and precious," Donovan said. "He was real sweet. I shook his hand and he said he's been coming here for several years and told me that we had a special ministry."

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife attended the 8 a.m. traditional service at Sanibel Community Church on Sunday morning. Church members said the couple took communion and the church's pastor offered a prayer for him and President Trump.(Photo: Michael Braun/The News-Press)

Jack David, a 25-year member of the church, sat in the back for the services but didn't catch a glimpse of Pence.

"I had to go and drive the church bus to pick up some members," he said. "I did hear he took communion."

David also said he had to show his ID to the vice president's security detail when he went to the men's room.

Other than that bit of divine excitement, it was a normal day on the popular tourist island. Early on traffic was rather light as cooler temperatures prevailed.

Follow Michael Braun on Twitter:@MichaelBraunNP

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/2nYndDz

Excerpt from:
Vice President Mike Pence, wife start Sunday at Sanibel Island church - USA TODAY

Patricia Borns, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press Published 10:23 p.m. ET April 8, 2017 | Updated 10:42 p.m. ET April 8, 2017

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Vice President Mike Pence, aboard Air Force Two, lands at 4:27 p.m. April 8, 2017, at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers on his way to visit Sanibel Island, Fla.(Photo: Kinfay Moroti, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press)

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla. The sky turned spanking blue on the busiest Saturday of season for snowbirds soaking up their last winter rays, shark teeth hunters, weekend fishermen and residents anticipating the arrival of Vice President Mike Pence.

Rumors had been flying for days about the vice president's visit. Was he staying on nearbyCaptiva Island? No, Sanibel Island. No, its changed to Marco Island, where former House Speaker John Boehner gave a speech Friday night.

No, it's really Sanibel Island, about 20 miles southwest of Fort Myers, Fla., and 130 miles west of President Trump's Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla.

Related:White House photo reveals inside view of Mar-a-Lago situation room Related:Missile strike 'probably the best thing' Trump has done, Boehner says

There are all kinds of rumors going around. I think people just like to hear themselves talk, Sanibel resident Craig Allen said Saturday morning while shopping atJerrys, the local supermarket.

Pence and Air Force Two touched down at at 4:27 p.m. ET at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.His motorcade crossed the Sanibel Causeway about 30 minutes later.

Where Pence is staying, where he might play golf andexactly how long he will be here is not being revealed. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a temporary flight restriction Thursday for private planes around the island from Saturday through Friday, so he appears to be spending Easter elsewhere.

Related:Pence, House Republicans scramble to resurrect Obamacare repeal Related:Trump says Pence has 'one hell of a good marriage'

Year-round residents are used to seeing celebrities like Eric Clapton show up at George and Wendy Schnapp's Sanibel Seafood Grille; Johnny Depp at a Tween Waters Halloween party; and, regularly, NBC weatherman Willard Scott, for whom the island is a second home.

Resident Anita Smith wore a slightly irritated air as she went about her chores.

We dont have enough traffic without the vice president visiting? Smith asked.

Related:Stephen Colbert cracks himself up poking fun at Mike Pence Related:Mike Pence's 'Billy Graham Rule' has Internet yelling sexism

Yet traffic was surprisingly smooth for a day of the week when rentals all over the island were turning over. A police officer stood outside Royal Shell, calming traffic as half the real estate companys 500-plus rental properties were taking in new guests.

Many business people were afraid to share feelings about the visit because of sharp political divisions being felt across the country and even more so on a small island.

But Bridgit Stone-Budd wasnt one of them.

Stone-Budd, who opened Pecking Order Fried Chicken with her husband three years ago, wasted no time posting to Facebook Friday when she heard the news:

Then she tweeted to @mike_pence inviting him to dinner on the house.

I know Mike Pence is from Indiana, and Indiana is famous for fried chicken and waffles and fried pickles, she said.

Sois the Pecking Order.

Related:Pence jokes GOP health care bill needed help from WWE Related:Vice President Pence meets with his 'second-favorite' Reagans

Stone-Budd lamented that politics kept her from going gung-hofor Pence and the president, for fear of alienating patrons. After her tweet to the vice president, one customer said hed wouldnt be following her anymore.

Some of my customers replied, Goodbye, well miss you, she said.

Bridgit Stone-Budd, who invited the vice president to dinner, serves an order of her famous fried chicken. waffles and fried pickles April 8, 2017, at Pecking Order Fried Chicken on Sanibel Island, Fla.(Photo: Patricia Borns, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press)

How do islanders keep it friendly with each other in these political times?

One of my staffs parents have completely different feelings about the president, Stone-Budd said. Were friendsthough. We just dont talk about it.

Sanibel Island, like Trump's Palm Beach on the Atlantic, is a wealthier enclave than most of Florida. The median household income is almost $100,000, just several thousand less than Palm Beach's $105,000; however, the median value of an owner-occupied home is almost $300,000 less than in Palm Beach: about $665,000 vs. $950,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

For comparison, the median household income for the United States is less than $54,000, and the median value of an owner-occupied house is less than $180,000. The median is a value in the middle of a set of numbers; half are higher and half are lower.

Across the Sanibel causeway, Dave Bailey sat beside the bay with a slack fishing line in the water and a crossword puzzle in his lap.

Did Pences visit matter to him?

It depends on what he does while hes here, Baileysaid. The political furor of this country has been so ramped up over politics. In Florida, were like, ho-hum.

Related:Vice President faces backlash for photo of Freedom Caucus meeting Related:Mike Pence calls Obamacare a 'nightmare' at Kentucky stop

Bailey is especially sensitized to big-name politicians because he lives the rest of the year in Colchester, Vt., home of 2016 presidential candidate and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Closing on 5 p.m., police cars began stationing themselves on either side of the causeway. Sirens wailed in the distance.

Since the first part of 2017, Vice President Mike Pence hasn't appeared before photographers in anything but a business suit. On Feb. 22, 2017, he took off his coat to help volunteers clean up Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Mo., after vandalism at the Jewish cemetery.(Photo: Michael Thomas, Getty Images)

The base of the causeway was almost empty of onlookers, save two women, who hadbeen waiting patiently for Pence to drive by.

This is everything, said Tamara Leone of Illinois, who was spending a few days visiting her mother.

Leone had come to the spot to show her support for the vice president, whom she admires becausehes not afraid to show his faith," she said.

On the other side of the causeway, an excited Amanda Wilcox rushed to the side of the road as a police car screamed by. U.S. Coast Guard boats churned up the water below, and helicopters patrolled the sky.

A Cape Coral, Fla.,resident who was here enjoying a birthday picnic with friends, Wilcox wondered if a rescue were in progress for a man in a green kayak who had been missing in these waters since Friday night.

Did she know that Pence would be passing this way?

I have no idea who that is, Wilcox said.

However, she does know about Donald Trump.

Hes so controversial. Of course I do.

Follow Patricia Borns on Twitter:@PatriciaBorns

Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/2oOdzaP

See original here:
Vice President Mike Pence spends spring break in Florida - USA TODAY