The national spotlight will shine on Tampa (and St. Pete) during the 2012 Republican National Convention. Bringing over 50,000 people – politicians, media and protestors alike – the RNC means big things for the city. But what does it mean for the people who live here the other 51 weeks of the year?
Convention Dates
The convention will officially take place in the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27 – 30, but residents should expect event impacts throughout the city from August 24 – 31.
Closed to the Public
Many major public spaces reserved by media and organizations will be closed to the public during the RNC.
- Tampa Bay History Center – Closed August 21 – September 1. Homebase for Fox News.
- Glazer Children’s Musuem – Closed August 27 – 30. Homebase for Newsweek, The Daily Beast, the Lifetime Network, and more.
- Florida Aquarium, Tampa Theatre, Jackson’s Bistro, Carne Chophouse, Channelside Cinemas – Won’t be open for regular business during the Convention. Organizations hosting events at these locations were confidential.
- Tampa Bay Times Forum – Well of course you won’t be able to get into the Forum. You won’t even be able to get close to it. Inside, luxury suites will turn into television studios for over 15,000 media members.
Downtown’s Yoga in the Park will also be cancelled August 19th and 26th.
Places to Visit
The Straz Center – The performing arts venue isn’t hosting regular events during the RNC except for tapings of the Daily Show with John Stewart. Should be a good show if you were lucky enough to score tickets when they sold out months ago.
Protester Properties – If you are interested in watching some good old-fashion, American protesting, you will certainly be able to find some live action with over 15,000 protester expected for the event. Where can you find them?
- Occupy Tampa – The park in West Tampa – home to Occupy Tampa since Joe Redner gave them permission to use the space – will be a central location for many protesters. (2101 W. Main Street)
- Downtown Army Navy Store – Protesters leased private land behind the Army Navy store to avoid downtown protesting restrictions. (1312 North Tampa Street)
- Perry Harvey Sr. Park – One of the biggest protesting groups – The Coalition to March on the RNC – has planned protests throughout Downtown. (1200 North Orange Ave.)
- Along the Public Viewing Area – The city has designated a few protest areas, also known as “free speech zones” near the convention. That will be the best place to watch or join in protesting. Just make sure to check the pedestrian walking map before making your way Downtown. If you haven’t noticed, security is serious.
Road Restrictions for the RNC
Wondering where you can drive downtown during the convention? As rule of thumb, just think — nowhere.
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions for downtown will be enforced Friday, August 24 at 6:00 pm – Friday, August 31 at 6:00 pm.
This includes the closing of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (Crosstown) which will be closed from 50th Street to Willow from Sunday night (26th) through Friday (31st) morning.
Walking Restrictions for the RNC
Don’t even think about getting too close to the Forum. Pedestrian restrictions will keep the public blocks away from the action.
Pedestrian Restrictions will be enforced Saturday, August 25 at 12:00 pm – Friday, August 31 at 6:00 am.
Take all of the security seriously and don’t expect to get too close by boat either.
Street Car/Trolley
The TECO Line StreetCar will be running during the RNC convention, but the line will stop in Channelside. The three downtown stops will be closed. But on a positive note, the street car will pick up every ten minutes instead of the usual twenty.
Bridge Access
Howard Frankland – Commuters should expect random traffic delays on the interstate from August 25 – 30 due to motorcades traveling to and from St. Pete event sites. Delays will be most noticeable on August 26 when the biggest RNC event takes place in St. Pete.
To Davis Island & TGH – The bridge to Davis Islands and Tampa General Hospital should have little restrictions during the RNC.
To Harbour Island – Beneficial Bridge will provide the only bridge access to Harboar Island. Crossing vehicles will be subject to security screening and delayed access during convention hours.
Platt Street – The usual 35,000 vehicles that cross the Platt Street bridge a day will have to cross Kennedy Blvd. during the convention.
Get Involved
For those who want to play a part in the RNC, registration for volunteering during the convention is open. Volunteer jobs include: Airport Greeters, Distribution Center Assistants, Event Set-Up Crew, Event Way-Finders, Hotel Greeters or Office Admin.
Get Social with the RNC
2012 GOP Convention – @GOPconvention www.facebook.com/GOPconvention
Tampa Bay Host Committee – @2012Tampa www.facebook.com/2012Tampa