Tampa Bay is experienced and hospitable, we have the venues and the
support, but more than that, we have the capability to help win in
2012. As a bellwether political community, our area offers a decisive
edge as we look and act just like America – in age, education,
racial/ethnic diversity and income. History clearly demonstrates - if
you win Tampa, you win the state. If you win Florida, you win the
nation.
Surrounding our convention area is an exciting destination filled with
first-class hotels, world-famous attractions, and a population of local
residents who are consistently recognized as extraordinary ambassadors
of hospitality. With over 30 million visitors a year, Tampa Bay
welcomes the world every day, and we look forward to making the 2012
Republican National Convention feel at home. Additionally, we can
provide peace of mind that the convention will be staged in one of the
safest, most secure destinations. The combined resources of our local
law enforcement agencies and those of MacDill Air Force Base place the
convention in a strategic environment.
Host City:
Tampa-St. Petersburg will be where Florida is won or lost in the 2012
presidential election. A bellwether political community, this dynamic
region has all the elements necessary for providing the decisive edge:
the state’s largest media market; a highly partisan-competitive
landscape including a large block of independent voters; diverse racial
and ethnic demographics; a balanced mix of political geography; and a
proven track record of accurately predicting the electoral outcome. By
nearly every measure: age, education, racial/ethnic, income, and
marital status, Tampa Bay looks and acts like America.
Host
Committee:
The Tampa/St. Petersburg Host Committee is once again chaired by Al
Austin, CEO of Austin Companies. He has put together a team of
prominent business leaders from the local community who serve as
co-chairs and will help in pulling together a successful bid to have
the convention in Tampa Bay.
Facilities:
There is nothing conventional about Tampa Bay’s convention and meeting
facilities. Nor is there anything conventional about the area’s ability
to so impressively assemble everything needed - and more - for the
Republican National Convention within a single, central location. This
includes the main convention area, media work space, staff office
space, and unique facilities to accommodate special events. When it
comes to addressing the two major convention venues, it all comes down
to location, size and technical capabilities. The St. Pete Times Forum,
the main convention area, overlooks the nearby Tampa Convention Center,
one of two proposed sites of the media work space. Towering between
these two buildings, the 717-room Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel &
Marina looks as if it were custom-made to be the headquarters hotel.
Within an easy walk from this convention complex are the recommended
locations for the office staff facilities, additional accommodations,
plentiful parking, and flexible staging areas for transportation
systems.
Accommodations:
The Tampa Bay area’s more than 40,000 hospitable hotel rooms and
greatly exceeds the room requirements of the Republican National
Convention. 70% of the room block is within 20 minutes of the St. Pete
Times Forum and stands ready to respond positively to any additional
housing needs. Grand historic resorts, high rise luxury hotels with
contemporary designs and modern conveniences, cozy bed and breakfasts
that cater to travelers by creating the comforts of home and much more
beckon travelers fortunate enough to stay within the Tampa Bay area.
Transportation:
From the skyways to the highways, all major roads, railways, waterways
and flight routes lead to Tampa Bay. The area’s abundant network of
publicly and privately operated transportation systems already in
place, coupled with those under construction, keep traffic flowing
smoothly throughout the entire area. Spacious, prevalent parking
facilities put delegate’s just steps away from the main convention area
and other key locations, contributing to the overall accessibility and
convenience of travel throughout Tampa Bay. As the cradle of commercial
aviation, it is only natural that Tampa Bay boasts one of the most
popular and admired airports in the world, Tampa International Airport
(TPA). Today, the Tampa Bay area is served by two stellar international
airports, Tampa International and St. Petersburg-Clearwater
International, as well as eight regional airports located within a
50-mile radius of each other. MacDill Air Force Base, home of U.S.
Central Command, provides another possible flight service option for
government dignitaries.
Security:
Our objective is to keep everyone safe in Tampa Bay. We will be
successful because it is our business to protect visitors; we do it day
in and day out for tens of millions of tourists each year. Delegates
for the 2012 convention will be safe because it is vitally and equally
important to preserve an environment where delegates can concentrate on
the Convention and the future of the Republican Party. We will achieve
this goal by calling upon the expertise of federal, state, local and
military resources active within the Tampa Bay region.
Our track record proves this can be done. Tampa Bay safeguarded 4 NFL
Super Bowls, NHL playoff and Stanley Cup games, NCAA Men’s Basketball
Tournament games, NHL All-Star Weekend, Annual Gasparilla Events, Vice
Presidential Debate, the Gulf States Governors Conference and the 2000
Republican Governor’s Association (RGA) Annual Meeting. Each event was
successfully planned and conducted without incident, an unparalleled
testament to the effectiveness and professionalism of our law
enforcement officers. Fans at sporting events felt the passion of
competition and expressed the thrill of celebration while officers and
security guards maintained a high profile presence but stayed out of
the spotlight. Dignitaries and guests at the RGA meeting enjoyed the
safety and security the Tampa Bay area offers while enjoying all of the
amenities. Bank on this promise: Our security plan will be well
orchestrated to safeguard the lives, property and peace of mind for all
who arrive for the 2012 Republican National Convention.