People News

Michelle Obama supports Florida Gulf Coast beaches

By April MacIntyre Jul 13, 2010, 18:43 GMT

In Florida supporting Panama Beach residents: First Lady Michelle Obama addresses a group of Marines and their families at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base near San Diego, CA, USA, on 13 June 2010. Mrs. Obama recently issued a national call to address challenges facing military families. EPA/SEAN MASTERSON

First Lady Michelle Obama is urging Americans to hit the beaches on the Gulf Coast.

CNN reports that Obama is in Bay County when she arrived for a briefing on the oil-spill, then spoke at an invitation only event on Panama City Beach.

The First Lady met with the Tourist Development Council and local officials and business leaders regarding the toll the BP oil disaster has taken on the local economy in Panama Beach.

The First Lady praised the sugar sand beauty of the Florida beaches. "It's welcoming, it's pristine, and everybody should come here!" said Obama.

"It's important for the rest of the country to know these places are just as beautiful as they have always been." Obama also shared a possible solution. "Truly, the best thing your fellow Americans can do is come down here and spend some money."

The First Lady also reiterated that the president is doing all he can to make sure the oil leak problem is solved as quickly as possible and that the beaches stay clean, and that BP is held responsible for the damage the disaster has caused.