From staff reports

pnj.com

Pensacola and Escambia County officials say they are working with the Donald Trump campaign to coordinate a potential visit to Pensacola.

State Rep. Mike Hill initially broke news of the visit Monday afternoon, saying the GOP front runner may speak at the Bay Center on Jan. 13.

"I spoke with someone who is part of his team here in Pensacola, and they are nailing down the details now," Hill said. "I don't have a lot of details, but what has been shared with me is that it should take place around 1 p.m."

Vernon Stewart, a spokesperson for the city of Pensacola, said the city and county were working together to coordinate the details of his arrival. When, and if, that visit could occur is up in the air. Late Monday evening, Hill's source said she could not confirm or deny the visit, but requested that details about a potential visit be left up to the Trump campaign to release.

Bay Center officials also would not confirm Trump's visit Monday evening. Should that be the location for the expected speaking engagement, Trump should have no problem filling the 10,000 seats at the Pensacola Bay Center. His August rally at Ladd-Peelbes Stadium in Mobile, about 60 miles away, drew an estimated crowd of between 20,000 and 30,000 supporters.

The billionaire investor, real estate developer and reality TV star has maintained his lead in the Republican polls since the beginning of his campaign in late summer 2015, even as other opponents have risen and fallen during that time.

His supporters say they are attracted to his no-nonsense style and are galvanized by his strong language towards President Obama and illegal immigration as well as his position that all Muslims should be banned from the United States.

Detractors say his positions lack specifics. He has drawn criticism for his comments about women, his demonizing of Muslims and recent comments on gun control

We'll bring you more on this story as it develops.