By: Safety is going to be one of the pivotal concerns of the Republican National Convention when it comes to the Tampa Bay Times Forum later this year. The Secret Service is already in full swing inspecting the multiple venues throughout Tampa – including the Tampa Convention Center and Tropicana Field – and diligently planning for the best security possible during the convention.
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn likely shared the same sense of precaution when he proposed a concealed weapons ban throughout all of Downtown Tampa during the convention’s run. The Secret Service has already banned all concealed weapons around the Forum’s perimeter, but Buckhorn wanted to extend the ban throughout all of Downtown Tampa.
In an official statement on the City of Tampa website, Mayor Buckhorn stated, “I believe that there is no reason to have a concealed firearm in downtown Tampa that week. And, to be clear, I am far less concerned with those who have concealed weapons permits than the ones who may somehow acquire a weapon and use it to create mayhem.”
Buckhorn’s request was denied by Florida Mayor Rick Scott who claimed such a request would be “government overreach” according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Stay tuned here at 813area.com as we bring you all the important news leading up to the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa taking place August 27-30.
