Florida Governor Rick Scott halts his Republican National Convention plans, including speech

Governor Rick Scott discuss a bill he signed on May 31, 2011, forcing people applying for welfare benefits to pay to be drug tested.
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Posted: 08/25/2012

By: Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. - Florida Gov. Rick Scott is canceling his plans for the Republican National Convention to prepare for the tropical storm approaching his state.

His staff said Saturday that he was canceling his plans to attend Tampa events on Sunday and Monday, including his speech scheduled Monday night.

The Republican governor already declared a state of emergency for Isaac, which crossed the eastern end of Cuba on Saturday.

The storm is now approaching the Florida Keys and it is expected to strengthen to a hurricane in coming days.

A hurricane warning had been issued for the Florida Keys, and officials warned tourists to leave. The storm likely won't hit Tampa head-on, but it could lash the city with rain and strong winds just as the convention ramps up.