The Republican National Convention won't officially start until Tuesday, thanks to Tropical Storm Isaac.
Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced this evening in a prepared statement that due to severe weather reports, the convention would convene on Monday then immediately recess until Tuesday.
"After consulting with Governor Scott, NOAA and local emergency management officials, we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket," Priebus said.
Read the full report here.
Gov. Rick Scott and emergency management officials have declared a state of emergency for the Tampa Bay area, which is expected to receive tropical storm winds, heavy rains and flooding. Scott earlier Saturday canceled all of his RNC duties Monday.
Hillsborough County is under a tropical storm watch. As of 5 p.m., Tropical Storm Isaac was located 120 miles east of Camaguey, Cuba, moving to the northwest, with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour.
Current road and lane closures are listed online here. These are not necessarily related to storm activity.
Other warnings went out for park closures due to high water:
- Dead River Park – Entire Park is closed.
- Wilderness Park – Off-roads trails at the Flatwoods Site, the Morris Bridge Site and the Morris Bridge Biking Area; the picnic shelter side of the Morris Bridge Site.
- Lake Park - Back area including the archery, the remote control track, the BMX tracks, and the horse arena.
- Lithia Springs Park - Swimming area.
- Medard Park – Boat ramp area.
Sandbags are available to residents of unincorporated Hillsborough County, while supplies last, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the following locations:
- West Service Unit - 9805 Sheldon Drive in Tampa
- South Service Unit - 8718 Old Big Bend Road in Gibsonton
- East Service Unit – 4702 Sydney Road near Plant City
Sandbags will be available to city residents at three locations starting today (Aug. 25). Residents may pick-up sandbags at:
- Himes Sports Complex, 4500 South Himes Avenue
- Jackson Heights Playground, 3310 E. Lake Avenue
- Solid Waste facility at 4010 W. Spruce Street
Tampa residents interested in receiving sandbags must show identification verifying residence within the city limits. Valid driver's license, utility bill or electric bill will serve as appropriate identification.
Sandbags will be available until 6 p.m. and tomorrow, Aug. 26, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents can call 813-272-6900 to report problems or request additional information.
In other nearby counties, Manatee and Sarasota schools will be closed Monday. Check here for more information.
