Tampa airport expects heavy traffic for RNC

Published November 05, 2015

The Tampa International Airport is preparing for the Republican National Convention by upgrading bathrooms, recruiting volunteers and upgrading curbside check-in and other areas.

The Tampa Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/MfuyJw) that the Aug. 27-30 convention will strain the airport's resources for about two weeks.

The airport's incident command center will be "partially activated" to oversee operations, maintenance, police and security activities.

Airport officials estimate the majority of the 50,000 convention visitors and an estimated 15,000 news media and news support staff will use Tampa International Airport. In addition, officials say 10,000 protestors could descend upon the Tampa area.

Taxi companies, rental car agencies and shuttle services have all beefed up their fleets as well.