Tight Security helps the RNC Welcome Event go off without a hitch

Fun inside Tropicana Field for delegates and media

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Posted: 08/27/2012

By: Linda Hurtado

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The security was tight as you'd expect, but even Isaac couldn't crash this party.

The Tampa Bay Host Committee kicked off Republican National Convention week with country music superstar Rodney Atkins singing at Tropicana Field.

So why did this star brave the threat of a tropical storm to perform? He said it was for the men and women who brave much more than high winds and flooding.

“We got to go to Afghanistan this year. I had a bunch of text messages from soldiers. A Marine who broke his legs, he let me know, go down to Tampa and tell them God Bless them.”

Atkins performed for the 20,000 delegates, political VIP's and media members. However, Atkins wasn't alone on stage. Local American Idol finalist Shannon Mcgrane performed, too.

While Isaac has had many in the Bay area on their toes, the host committee president said canceling the event was never an issue.

Many events and parties have been rescheduled from Monday until later in the week. However, other parties like the ones at the Cuban Club and the Florida Aquarium are on.