Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Whirlwind tour set for GOP site team

By TIMES WIRES
Published August 18, 2006

TAMPA - Beach resorts, dinner cruises, historic restaurants and convention hall tours are all on the agenda next week for a team that will choose the host city for the 2008 Republican National Convention.

As the itinerary was being finalized, the Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commission wrestled with playing host without violating state open meeting laws.

Members of the site selection committee are scheduled to arrive Sunday at Tampa International Airport for a whirlwind 48-hour look at what the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

Along with visits to the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa, the Columbia Restaurant and a StarShip cruise, other key stops include the Florida Aquarium and the University of Tampa, according to an itinerary released Thursday by the Tampa Convention & Visitors Bureau. They'll also tour the St. Pete Times Forum, the main convention venue.

On Monday, the nine-member team will walk on a red carpet to the entrance of the Tampa Convention Center, which would be the media headquarters for the convention. When they leave the Convention Center, they'll be cheered by a crowd throwing confetti and streamers while red, white and blue balloons drop from upper levels.

Tuesday will be spent in Pinellas County, showing the group everything from Tropicana Field to the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club.

Tampa is competing against New York City, Minneapolis and Cleveland for the event. A winner will be announced in January.

THE SCHEDULE

Sunday

Site selection committee members arrive throughout the afternoon and check into the Marriott Waterside hotel

- Plant Hall at the University of Tampa

- Driving tour through Hyde Park

- Dinner at a private home on Harbour Island

Monday

- Breakfast at the University Club

- Tampa Theatre

- Quick tour of downtown hotels - Courtyard Marriott and Residence Inn

- Driving tour through downtown, including the Channelside entertainment complex, stopping at the Florida Aquarium and American Victory ship

- Lunch at the St. Pete Times Forum, the main convention site

- Tampa Convention Center tour, including a look at technological capabilities

- Business meeting at the Waterside Marriott

- Dinner at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City

- Cruise on the yacht StarShip

Tuesday

- Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa

- Tropicana Field

- Bus tour of downtown St. Petersburg

- Tour of Renaissance Vinoy and Golf Club

- Departure from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport

[Last modified August 18, 2006, 02:11:30]