2 small planes diverted during Obama’s visit

SEMINOLE, Florida – Two F-16 fighter jets intercepted a small plane that violated airspace restricted for President Barack Obama’s visit to the Tampa Bay area, authorities said.

The president campaigned Saturday morning in Seminole before heading to central Florida.

Lt. Cmdr. Bill Lewis of the North American Aerospace Defense Command said the jets established radio contact with the pilot and ordered the plane out of the 10-mile (16-kilometer) restricted airspace.

Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Arlene Salac says the single-engine Cessna originated in Key West and was flying to Gainesville. The flight was allowed to continue.

Salac said a second small plane was diverted after wandering into the restricted zone Saturday afternoon. That plane was flying from New Port Richey to Key West.

Lewis said these incidents are not uncommon when temporary flight restrictions are set.