VIP flight restrictions over RSW canceled for Saturday

Vice President Mike Pence speaks to supporters Saturday Oct. 24, 2020 in Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)

UPDATE: On Friday afternoon the VIP Temporary Flight Restriction for Southwest Florida International Airport and Sanibel Island was canceled, indicating Pence will not be arriving in SWFL on Saturday.

The White House has not responded to request for comment.

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Vice President Mike Pence may be planning a trip to Sanibel this weekend after his previous trip to the island last week was canceled.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been issued for VIP movement at Southwest Florida International Airport from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

And a second TFR is issued for Sanibel Island from Saturday, Nov. 21 – Sunday, Nov. 29, in the area Pence traditionally visits.

Airspace around Sanibel has been designated as “national defense airspace,” which is common when the president or vice president visits an area.

The Sanibel Causeway and other roads are expected to close at times during the high-profile visit.

The purpose and other details of Pence’s trip were not immediately known; however, he frequently vacations on Sanibel.

The White House and Pence staff have not confirmed the visit.

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