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By Stephanie Davis and Chad Oliver

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen dine at the Mucky Duck with owner LuAnn Martin.

It may be easier to broker a Middle East peace deal than to walk in and immediately score a table in season at one of our areas favorite beachfront restaurants. U.S. Secret Service learned that during Vice President Mike Pences April trip to Sanibel and Captiva islands. Agents showed up to The Mucky Duck wearing fishing and polo shirts and informed the hostess that a VIP wanted to sit for dinner at 5:30. Im so sorry, I cant do 5:30, General Manager Regina Burnette replied. I just dont do favors. She says shes heard all the lines: Everybody tries to pull one on you. We just dont do that. The restaurant doesnt do reservations. People start lining up at 4:30 to add their names on a coveted list for one of The Mucky Ducks 21 tables. Regina informed them she could definitely do 6 p.m. As agents relayed the message back to the VP, the restaurant staffers figured out their VIP wasnt simply a couple of vacationers trying to pull a fast one. One agent put his finger to his ear and I saw a gun, Regina told me. My hostess said, I told you! Now, the agents earlier actions made sense.

Agents were in plain clothes, buying beers to blend in, and they were dumping them, she remembered. A few minutes later, Pence arrived to an armed U.S. Coast Guard crew standing watch on the Gulf of Mexico and agents surrounding The Mucky Duck property. She obliged all of the Secret Services security requests. Pence sat away from a window seat; agents picked out his glassware and watched in the kitchen while his food was being prepared. The former Indiana governor ordered flounder meuniere with fries and a Buckler non-alcoholic beer to wash it down. He spent time taking selfies with people, and a long-time Mucky Duck server got to see a different side to the second-in-command. I was honored [to serve Pence and his wife]. He showed me pictures of the familys two cats and their bunny. His wife noticed I was from Kansas, recalled LuAnn Martin.

Had I known it was him, I would have given him special treatment, Regina said with a laugh while retelling her latest run-in with celebrity. Shes seen more than her fair share of professional athletes come through The Mucky Duck, and there must be something about the salty air that draws politicians. Al Gore has visited, and Walter Mondale is a regular. Add Pence to the list. I bet next time Secret Service will call ahead

Summer rains will bring big changes inside the NBC2 Weather Center. Longtime early morning riser Haley Webb is getting out of the TV news biz. She brought her meteorological skills to Waterman Broadcasting in 2005, but in the spring of this year she made the decision to move to Tennessee to join in her familys business ventures. Viewers will certainly miss her warm personality and trusted forecast. Haleys replacement is another one of my long-time colleagues. Jason Dunning always has a smile on his face and a positive can-do attitude, making him a great co-worker and outstanding on-air talent, wrote Vice President of News Darrel Lieze-Adams in an email to the entire company. This Georgia Bulldog will miss taking jabs at Jasons Florida Gators during the 11 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. broadcasts. Like the Southwest Florida sun theyve spent years tracking, both Haley and Jason have bright futures.

The hotter temperatures and sultrier nights may have us fanning ourselves with the nearest piece of paper we can find or hibernating in the air conditioning more, but summer also means we have our little corner of paradise back to ourselves again. Traffic has calmed down and so have our nerves; Publix and Costco are easier to navigate, which means we can breathe easier. Finally, with the social swirl easing into calmer waters, we can reflect on some of the buzz around town.

For instance, its been tabled until August, but there was a lot of commotion in downtown Fort Myers when City Council proposed to increase density and development in downtown and mid-town, which means the sky would (literally) be the limit for builders. However, folks living in and around the River District collectively said, Not in my backyard. Itll be interesting to see how this one plays outdowntown Fort Myers could end up looking more like downtown Sarasota, but is that really such a bad thing? At least they have a Whole Foods.

One project thats definitely getting off the ground is Luminary Hotel & Co., a high-end hotel with 12 stories and 237 guest rooms next to Harborside Event Center and overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. Picture a street-side diner, a rooftop bar and a culinary theater. Something tells me that downtown might be getting more weekend visits from Naples revelers now that theyll have a waterfront hotel destination. We hear that the Luminary will be complete in early 2019.

When starting new projects, creativity is key. And so when the fundraising pros at LARC, the nonprofit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, started planning their April 13 fundraiser, they called upon some of the most creative minds in town: theater folk. It all started at a luncheon, where Florida Repertory Theatre board member Sunny Lubner and actress/directors Andi Horowitz, Karen Goldberg and Anne Dodd put their heads together and came up with Hollywood Heist, a mystery-themed event that centered around a gorgeous custom-made necklace created by generous jewelry designer extraordinaire Mark Loren. One lucky guest would win the sparkling piece, but only after discovering clues from a fabulous cast of characters with names like Fluffy Lovelace, Abel Cain, Shirley Will, Ginger Knockers and more. Charlotte Wagner had fun helping to write the script, along with Angela Katz of LARC and anybody else who threw in some fab ideas. Coolest of all, the heist took place in a stunning over-the-top 13,000-square-foot mansion in Gulf Harbor. Says Sunny, Socially, it was the event of the season! Everyone there just loved trying to solve the mysteryI played Dame Hildegarde and it was a delight. Its wonderful when creative minds come together for such a good cause. Angela tells me that LARC was so thrilled with the soiree that it will definitely be happening again next year. We cant wait to see what Sunny and company come up with for 2018.

Every Ritz-Carlton guest room around the world will now feature the work of Naples jeweler Mara Labell Muller (pictured). The company chose her elegant with an edge designs for The Shops at The Ritz-Carlton Catalog. Maras high-end eye sees beyond jewelry. When shes not designing, shes working luxury real estate in Naples with Gulf Coast International Properties.

A team of creatives have begun planning for the Arts for ACT Fine Art Auction to benefit the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center. Philanthropist, community volunteer and expert party planner Marc Collins has been named honorary chair of the to-do, which is set for Nov. 11. Theres a change in venue, thoughbecause Harborside will be undergoing renovations, Arts for ACT will happen at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Estero. With this move, Marc says, We can expand our reach a bit more into south Fort Myers and Bonita, Marc says. He also hinted at a possible themePurple Rainwhich, he said, could mean whatever guests want it to mean. As for me, I think I need to start shopping for a positively phenomenal purple gown.

Hosted by The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club to benefit Fun Time Early Childhood Academy

Masa's last day is May 6, and two downtown fixtures are among the dearly departed as well.

Wood tones bring a rustic feel to this cozy beach cottage in Old Naples.

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Scene & Heard: VP Mike Pence on Sanibel - Gulfshore Life

WASHINGTON

Donald Trump and Mike Pence are the most effective pitchers in the Republican bullpen. The president has the starpower and gets the headlines, but the vice president's emerging role could be just as valuable.

Trump is the flame-throwing closer with one pitch: his signature sharp rhetoric that metaphorically is his political fastball. But Pence's recent public appearances showcase his role as the in-the-trenches long reliever who huddles with GOP members and reassures key constituent groups, and could be even more valuable.

The pair's recent schedules show a stark contrast that brings their roles into focus.

Trump on Friday entered the ornate East Room of the White House to sign a bill tailored to help military veterans get better care. In doing so, the commander in chief claimed a major personal achievement. It was carried live by cable news networks.

On Wednesday night, Trump was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he, for over an hour, attacked his foes, made bold promises and listed the achievements of what he views as the most productive presidency at this point in U.S. history. The campaign-style rally lit Twitter on fire, made the front pages of all the major newspapers, and is still being replayed in soundbyte form on every network.

The same cannot be said of Pence's recent public speeches.

The vice president quietly goes about the methodical business of delivering Trump's often searing populist message and governing vision in a friendlier, more conservative package.

That certainly was the case Friday, when Air Force Two landed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Pence addressed a conference put on by Focus on the Family, the self-described "global Christian ministry" that provides "help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God's design."

It's just the kind of conservative group with which Trump, a thrice-married Manhattanite who appeared often on Howard Stern's then-raunchy radio show and has made caught-on-tape remarks that made many religious people cringe, has an unlikely and shaky alliance.

The same cannot be said of Pence, who is very much at home with Christian conservatives.

The previous day, there was Pence, addressing a conference of contractors and builders in Washington. And he hailed them in terms that neatly aligned with core Republican principles.

"You champion fiscal responsibility and individual freedom," Pence said. "And I promise you, the American people are grateful that you are a champion for American values.

As he typically does when addressing an issue-specific group, the vice president a career politician and Washington veteran makes clear its importance to the Trump-Pence agenda.

"This president has promised, simply put, in his words, to rebuild America," Pence said in his radio-trained voice. "And it's businesses like yours that are going to play such a leading role in doing that. Ahead of schedule and under budget, right?"

The same was true on Tuesday, when the former Indiana governor and congressman spoke to a National Association of Manufacturers summit, just the kind of voters that went for the Trump-Pence ticket in November in key Rust Belt states that helped put the GOP ticket over the top.

"Since your founding more than 120 years ago, the National Association of Manufacturers has fought tirelessly for the time-honored American principles of free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty, and equal opportunity," Pence said.

"And not only do you advocate for the businesses in this room, you really advocate for America itself. American manufacturers are the beating heart of our national life and always will be," the vice president said to applause before delivering the line designed to tie the group directly to his and the president's agenda ahead of their expected 2020 re-election bid.

"To borrow a phrase," Pence said, "manufacturers make America and they make America great."

Michael Steel, a former aide to 2016 GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush, said Pence is a "natural choice for such targeted outreach" because he possesses "a deep background dealing with a range of individual interest groups across a spectrum of issues."

Jerri Ann Henry, a GOP political strategist, said the vice president "provides a calming presence to groups who are inundated with speculation about Trump's plans and loyalties. Pence calms those concerns."

"He has a lot of credibility with some of the hard-right groups like Focus on the Family, credibility Trump doesn't have even if those groups supported him," Henry said. "Through all of the chaos of this administration, I think it is safe to say Pence is without question the most valuable player."

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Mike Pence works the trenches - MyAJC

WASHINGTON: Vice President Mike Pence has said he is planning to visit India soon and asserted that the Indo-US partnership has never looked brighter with the best days for the two nations yet to come.

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump as "historic and productive", Pence said, "Today I say with confidence that our friendship would grow and deepen."

Addressing the top business executives of the United States, Pence appeared to be very enthusiastic about the future of the ties between the US and India, which he said can work together for the development, peace and prosperity of the two countries and the world.

Pence was addressing the 42nd annual gala of the US- India Business Council (USIBC), the top industry advocacy body of American businesses having a footprint in India.

Recollecting Trump's remarks at the Rose Garden in White House yesterday, Pence said, "India has a true friend at the White House" and so do all the businesses that have gathered at the event.

"This is an exciting time between the US and India. As President Trump said, the future of our partnership has never looked brighter," Pence said yesterday.

Pence also had a one-on-one meeting with Modi at the White House on Monday.

Pence, who had earlier been the governor of Indiana, told the business executives that Modi told him that "India-Ana means coming to India", with the comment drawing a laud applause from the audience.

Pence said he has accepted the prime minister's invitation to visit India.

"I was very humbled when the Prime Minister Modi extended a personal invitation to me to represent the United States. And we're already making plans to take it up on his invitation," Pence said.

When he was the governor of Indiana, Pence said, he had plans to take a business delegation to India, which he could not do because of the last year's general elections.

But now, he said he was hoping to visit India soon.

"The bottom line is that the United States and India can deepen our commercial bond in many industries and areas," he said.

Pence said the US' relationship with India is one of the most important strategic relationships in the 21st century.

"Our two great nations are bound by friendship, by commerce, as partners in the fight against terrorism, and as brother-and-sister in the cause of freedom and our commitment to democracy -- and today, I say with confidence - under the leadership of President Donald Trump, our friendship will grow deeper and our partnership will grow stronger -- for the benefit of both our nations, and all our people," Pence said.

With Trump taking so many steps to improve the business climate in the US, Pence said the truth is that these actions will give Indian companies record opportunities to invest in America.

"I am confident -- that with your help, and with the commitment that President Trump and Prime Minister Modi renewed yesterday -- we will usher in a new era of jobs, opportunity, and prosperity -- for both our countries, and for all our people," Pence said.

He also praised several Indian companies for creating tens and thousands of jobs in America. Pence mentioned several Indian companies including Wipro, Infosys and Spicejet.

"Thanks to the companies represented in this room, the trade relationship between the United States and India is flourishing. It's remarkable to think that not even 20 years ago, two-way trade between our nations was less than USD 20 billion per year. But by the end of last year, it had grown by more than 500 per cent to an annual USD 115 billion," he said.

"On the other side of the ledger, Indian businesses I'm glad to report are investing in America at an unprecedented rate. For instance: Earlier this year, Infosys announced it would hire 10,000 new American workers at four US-based technology centers, one of which will be in my home state of Indiana. And we thank you for investing and believing in America," Pence said.

"Our heartfelt appreciation to all the businesses represented here for your investment in our nation's future. Yet the truth is the United States and India we believe have only scratched the surface when it comes to bilateral investment and trade," he said.

"Yesterday, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi committed to expanding and balancing our trade relationship in the years ahead," the vice president said.

India is projected to become the world's third-largest market for planes and passengers, he noted.

"American companies are already providing airport infrastructure and the airplanes themselves. I just had the chance to meet with the CEO of SpiceJet who just last week placed an order for 40 brand new Boeing jets, on top of 100 new jets it ordered earlier this year," he said.

"I know that American companies are going to continue to give India's aviation industry the wings it needs to soar. And let me just take the opportunity, as the President did yesterday, to say thank you to SpiceJet for investing and believing in American workers and American businesses," Pence said.

Energy, he said, was another area for a more robust partnership.

"India boasts the world's fastest-growing economy. But it can't continue without energy, and American producers and grid developers are the best-suited to provide it. From liquefied natural gas, to nuclear power, to clean coal, to everything in between, American energy and American expertise can help power India's future," he said.

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US VP Mike Pence says planning to visit India soon - Economic Times

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and several Cabinet members attended the Saturday night wedding of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Scottish actress Louise Linton.

Vice President Mike Pence officiated the ceremony, which took place at Washington's Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, a historic venue located near the National Mall. Second lady Karen Pence was also in attendance.

Melania Trump wore a Gilles Mendel silk chiffon gown with Manolo Blahnik pumps, according to the first lady's office.

About 300 guests reportedly attended the wedding.

Aside from the Trumps and Pences, guests included White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and his wife Rebecca Miller, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Secretary of Veteran Affairs David Shulkin.

It's the second marriage for Linton, 36, and the third marriage for Mnuchin, 54.

Linton has appeared in the TV shows "CSI: NY" and "Cold Case," as well as the film "Cabin Fever."

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Trumps attend Steve Mnuchin's wedding, officiated by Mike Pence - ABC News

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Updated: June 28, 2017 11:04 am US Vice-President Mike Pence was a former governor of Indiana state. (Source: AP)

At a business summit in the US, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Netherlands, Vice-President Mike Pence told the gathering that he has been invited to visit India. Speaking at the US-India Business Councils 42nd Annual Leadership Summit, Pence said he shared a light moment with the prime minister when the later said India ana (come visit India).

In fact, I told him when I was governor of Indiana, one of my ambitions was to be the first governor from Indiana to visit India, Pence was quoted as saying by Politico. I didnt get it done then, but the Prime Minister and I had a nice chuckle, because he told me that the words India ana mean coming to India.

Pence went on to praise PM Modis move to simplify Indias tax structure by introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He, however, said the country needs to do more to create the fair and reciprocal trade relationship. We truly believe, with great respect, that the time to act is now, Pence added. He hailed the meeting between President Donald Trump and PM Modi as historic and productive.

President Trump recognizes that the United States relationship with India is one of the most important strategic relationships in the 21st century, he said.

Pence pointed to fast-expanding US defense sales to India and added: The United States will continue to enable the Indian armed forces to obtain the resources and technology it needs to protect the Indian people and support security in the region.

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'India ana': How PM Modi invited former Indiana governor Mike Pence to visit India - The Indian Express