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The Secret Service has just released their plans for road closures and security restrictions during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Downtown Tampa. Our advice; get out the walking boots.
Most of the roads surrounding the Tampa Bay Times Forum and the Tampa Convention Center including the lower portion of the Selmon Expressway will be closed before the convention begins on August 27 and remain that way until the convention ends on August 30.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get up close to the action. You’re just going to have to walk, and probably walk a lot, to do it. With the hot sun, moist humidity, and angry protestors running throughout all corners of the city, this should be nothing short of a relaxing, pleasurable experience for all.
Sarcasm aside, commuters should take note that as a general rule of thumb, the area south of Brorein Street to the waterfront will be closed to everyone except those with convention-issued credentials.
The closures don’t stop in Tampa, either. On August 26, there will be multiple road closures and security restrictions surrounding a kick-off party at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
According to the Tampa Tribune, commuters should expect traffic delays on the interstate from August 25 through 30 because of motorcades traveling to and from these event sites.
The Secret Service has released a number of security measures for the convention including a ban on weapon and weapon-like items including glass bottles, aerosol cans and pieces of rope longer than six feet. Concealed weapons (legally obtained, of course) will be allowed in all areas surrounding the convention.
Still no word, though, on when and where the Secret Service will install the 20,000 feet of various fences, 10,000 feet of concrete barriers, and near-mile of bike rack barriers they’ve solicited bids for. We’ll keep you posted as more news arises regarding the 2012 Republican National Convention.
