Area around Tropicana Field feels impact of RNC Welcoming Event preps

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The clean-up at Ferg's Sports Bar went on as planned.  But the plan to host an event for Ron Paul and his supporters was scrapped due to logistics surrounding security at Tropicana Field.

Although Ferg's owner Mark Ferguson is disappointed the event won't happen, he understands.

"The Secret Service and the RNC just couldn't make it work for everybody.  The City of St. Pete did everything they could.  The Mayor did everything he could to make it happen; it just couldn't happen. So we're stuck from having a busy, busy day into just an average day," explained Ferguson.

And most people who live at Fusion1560, just across the street from the Trop, figured the RNC welcoming event would be your average inconvenience around their building.

Cindy Matthews, who lives in the building said, "When we met with the Secret Service, it seemed like it really wasn't going to be a big deal at all.  But now it's clear it's going to slow things down for the next week."

Today, the building's management circulated a letter to its residents encouraging them to not leave the building unless necessary between Sunday afternoon and midnight.  A valid ID and proof of residency will be required to get into the property. The letter goes on to say that if crowds get too large, police will shut down the entire area and no one will be allowed in.  

According to the RNC Host Committee, once the big welcoming party is over, things should begin to return to normal around the Trop.

Ken Jones, Tampa Bay Host Committee President & CEO explained, "Once this event is done, we'll un-build it all if you will.  We'll move everything out.  And things should get back to normal fairly quickly."