Tampa Paying Big To Host Republican National Convention
TAMPA (CBSMiami) – It's been 40 years since a political party has held a convention in South Florida, but Tampa is learning first-hand that holding a modern convention is anything but cheap.
According to the Tampa Tribune, the city has spent all but $2.7 million of a $50 million federal grant given to help pay for security at the Republican National Convention at the end of August.
The Tampa Tribune report said personnel costs are taking up more than half of the grant, with costs totaling $26.1 million. That will pay for about 3,500 law enforcement officers from across the Sunshine State to be in the city from August 27-30 during the convention.
Tampa has spent $11.6 million for technology and cameras, $3.3 million for new gear, $2 million for insurance and almost $800,000 for vehicles.
An additional $950,000 will be given to St. Petersburg for overtime, cameras, and fencing since Tropicana Field will host a welcome event August 26th for delegates and members of the media.
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