South Lake Tahoe prepares for President Obama's visit

Its not every day that a community is able to welcome the President of the United States, and South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding communities are preparing for his August 31 visit.

Helicopters could be seen over the South Shore Monday, and on the ground, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue worked with the Nevada National Air Guard Fire Department at the Lake Tahoe airport.

Local law enforcement and the Secret Service held meetings to go over procedures and protocol.

There will be several different routes President Obama could take to the Harvey's Outdoor Arena where he will give the keynote address at the 21st annual Lake Tahoe Summit.

The Lake Tahoe Airport will be closed to the public on Wednesday until 3:00 p.m. as will the City of South Lake Tahoe Administrative offices (City Manager, City Attorney, Finance Dept., Administration), airport businesses including the Flight Deck Sports Bar & Grill, Tahoe Mortgage, HeliTahoe, Calstar, and the airport hangars.

It is being suggested that ticketholders to the Summit arrive by 11:30 a.m. for the 1:30 p.m. event due to expected long lines and security check points. Doors will close prior to 1:30 p.m. and no late entry will be allowed.

Cell phones will be allowed in the event, but cameras with large lenses will not. Media trucks and vehicles will start arriving at the arena at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, so expect delays on surface streets around Stateline all day.

When the President proceeds to the event, there will be rolling road closures, though the exact route is not being released. Plan accordingly if travel is needed through the community on both sides of the state line.

-South Tahoe Now Staff Report