Metro Jacksonville

So this is intriguing. Although the odds are slim this will even happen wouldn't this be one of those "game changing" opportunities civic leaders love to hype up to encourage more investment on convention-appealing infrastructure?

https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/05/26/florida-makes-a-play-for-the-republican-convention-1286834

I wouldn't oppose this. Not sure I understand the objections, other than the risk of travelers spreading COVID which is an issue with any gathering of this kind.

According to a story on NPR says the RNC is expecting 50,000 to attend the Convention in Charlotte. I assume they would expect the same number where-ever they meet. Can Jax accommodate 50,000 "high roller" type guests?  How does the Veterans Arena compare in size to the Charlotte venue? 
NPR: https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/05/16/857415236/gop-officials-say-theyre-expecting-50-000-in-charlotte-for-republican-convention

If you've ever watched a national convention or a Trump rally for that matter, if there are 50K people in attendance, a relatively small percentage of those would qualify as high rollers.

That said, I don't know if its a great idea to be inviting 50k people from around the country, many of which are actively defying the COVID guidelines to pack a crowded arena.

Other than the stadium, where could they pack 50k in attendance? Certainly not at the arena.

Quote from: thelakelander on May 27, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Other than the stadium, where could they pack 50k in attendance? Certainly not at the arena.

When Obama accepted his convention's nomination they held his acceptance speech in 2008 at Invesco Field in Denver so there is precedent. And you know how Trump loves his big rallies.

Plus I seriously doubt 50,000 delegates and hangers on from around the country will make it here if conditions don't improve significantly. The narrative that all conservative diehards would gladly endanger their or loved ones health for this convention is a tad overblown and the city shouldn't have a problem handling this especially if it will be scaled back as far as meetings and conferences.

There were at least two or three states mentioned as potential alternatives. I know Atlanta was one. What were the other cities?

I think DeSatan also mentioned Miami and Orlando as possible Florida sites.

Quote from: Charles Hunter on May 27, 2020, 02:43:12 PM
I think DeSatan also mentioned Miami and Orlando as possible Florida sites.

Desatan???   ::) :o

Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on May 27, 2020, 01:02:32 PM

Quote from: thelakelander on May 27, 2020, 12:35:04 PM
Other than the stadium, where could they pack 50k in attendance? Certainly not at the arena.

When Obama accepted his convention's nomination they held his acceptance speech in 2008 at Invesco Field in Denver so there is precedent. And you know how Trump loves his big rallies.

Plus I seriously doubt 50,000 delegates and hangers on from around the country will make it here if conditions don't improve significantly. The narrative that all conservative diehards would gladly endanger their or loved ones health for this convention is a tad overblown and the city shouldn't have a problem handling this especially if it will be scaled back as far as meetings and conferences.

The problem is a lot of people don't think this is real or think it's the flu, and many of those people are conservatives, or at the very least, true believers of the Donald.

Quote from: MandarinNole on May 27, 2020, 06:52:04 PM
The problem is a lot of people don't think this is real or think it's the flu, and many of those people are conservatives, or at the very least, true believers of the Donald.

Just wondering if up to 50,000 die-hard Trump supporters left his convention with a parting souvenir of COVID-19 which they then unknowingly shared during the 2 week incubation period or because they were asymptomatic with their families, friends, coworkers and other Trump supporters upon returning home, how that would play with his base?

And, would Trump rebrand it from the "Wuhan virus" to the "Trump virus"?  He loves putting his name on anything "big."  8)

The Libertarian party just held their convention online. If anyone would have been insisting on the right to assemble I'm sure it would be them. I see a hybrid online convention eventually happening.

Well it looks like it's officially up for grabs.  Interesting that, according to CNN, contractually some level of business must still occur in Charlotte(?).  Vegas and Nashville are getting tossed around in conversation too. Just wonder how well a 15k seat arena in Jax and room limitations would suffice. Coincidentally, we now have a 3-4 additional (Norwegian) cruise ships docked here - at least for the short term.  Doubt there'd be much appetite for that approach again though- especially given the circumstances.

No!  No!  A million times no!!

This is a pipe dream. Too small of an arena, not enough hotel rooms, during the 60th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday....

The media is wishing for Jax no doubt. 

What media? Local or national?

While I'd rather this not here, the arena really isn't the issue - VyStar holds between 15k and 16k for an event like this, which is actually not that far off:

- Spectrum (Charlotte) is 19k
- Bridgestone (Nashville) is 19k
- T-Mobile (Vegas) is 20k
- MSG (New York) is 20k

I mean, Jax would struggle with a lot of other things, but really the Arena isn't the big issue here - hotels are.

Yeah, I was thinking national.  Brought back Super Bowls memories / attention.

QuoteI mean, Jax would struggle with a lot of other things, but really the Arena isn't the big issue here - hotels are.

Cruise ships !!

Under normal circumstances, I'd very much welcome the economic impact that the Republican Convention would bring to Jacksonville. Hotels, restaurants, event planners, florists, furniture rental companies, catering companies, event venues, etc are hurting big time.  If you put party affiliation aside, its hard to argue against the economic benefit of such a high profile event.

But unless a normal circumstance-type convention could happen where thousands of delegates could safely book hotel rooms and spend money in local restaurants... then why should the City of Jacksonville spend tens of millions of dollars to host a scaled back convention that will not have anywhere near the economic impact of a full-blown convention?  That's the bigger question. There has to be a benefit that outweighs the cost. 

Quote from: Steve on June 03, 2020, 09:07:20 AM
While I'd rather this not here, the arena really isn't the issue - VyStar holds between 15k and 16k for an event like this, which is actually not that far off:

- Spectrum (Charlotte) is 19k
- Bridgestone (Nashville) is 19k
- T-Mobile (Vegas) is 20k
- MSG (New York) is 20k

I mean, Jax would struggle with a lot of other things, but really the Arena isn't the big issue here - hotels are.

Vegas and New York are so far out of Jacksonville's league in facility capacity, so that's apples/oranges. Even though Charlotte and Nashville have only slightly larger arenas (that both have a TON more luxury seating options), you are forgetting to compare context. Both arenas are either right across the street (Nashville) from the convention center w/ a large outdoor area/flex space in between, or a block away (Charlotte) with another large outdoor area/flex space another block away. They both are also surrounded by multiple hotels that combined offer more rooms than the Omni/Hyatt (located effectively a car ride away from Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena).

The convention brings just as many ancillary groups that hold break-out events during the week leading up to and the week of the events that you see televised.  You need more meeting space than just the arena itself.  Can Jax accommodate that? Yes, but you're talking then about spreading out things all over the city (including Amelia Island and St Johns County) and not just in one compact area.

I think it would be awesome to host a large scale event like the Republican National Convention (*see post above), but Jax is a distant, distant cousin in terms of facilities to the cities mentioned.

*a part of me thinks that Curry believes that TIAA Bank Field would be the venue of choice. Its no coincidence that all these emergency bills are being filed to fix a slew of issues at the stadium over the next two months. I mean, up until a couple of weeks ago there were going to be two large concerts at the stadium in July and August before NFL games were to be played.

That big lawn though....

Quote from: fieldafm on June 03, 2020, 10:00:30 AM

Quote from: Steve on June 03, 2020, 09:07:20 AM
While I'd rather this not here, the arena really isn't the issue - VyStar holds between 15k and 16k for an event like this, which is actually not that far off:

- Spectrum (Charlotte) is 19k
- Bridgestone (Nashville) is 19k
- T-Mobile (Vegas) is 20k
- MSG (New York) is 20k

I mean, Jax would struggle with a lot of other things, but really the Arena isn't the big issue here - hotels are.

Vegas and New York are so far out of Jacksonville's league in facility capacity, so that's apples/oranges. Even though Charlotte and Nashville have only slightly larger arenas (that both have a TON more luxury seating options), you are forgetting to compare context. Both arenas are either right across the street (Nashville) from the convention center w/ a large outdoor area/flex space in between, or a block away (Charlotte) with another large outdoor area/flex space another block away. They both are also surrounded by multiple hotels that combined offer more rooms than the Omni/Hyatt (located effectively a car ride away from Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena).

The convention brings just as many ancillary groups that hold break-out events during the week leading up to and the week of the events that you see televised.  You need more meeting space than just the arena itself.  Can Jax accommodate that? Yes, but you're talking then about spreading out things all over the city (including Amelia Island and St Johns County) and not just in one compact area.

I think it would be awesome to host a large scale event like the Republican National Convention (*see post above), but Jax is a distant, distant cousin in terms of facilities to the cities mentioned.

*a part of me thinks that Curry believes that TIAA Bank Field would be the venue of choice. Its no coincidence that all these emergency bills are being filed to fix a slew of issues at the stadium over the next two months. I mean, up until a couple of weeks ago there were going to be two large concerts at the stadium in July and August before NFL games were to be played.

Not arguing any of that. I was simply referring to the Arenas. Like you said, the Arenas are already part of it - all of these cities have larger convention centers and other facilities that would also need to serve.

Personally I think it doesn't matter as I can't see them picking Jacksonville - unless literally nobody else wants to host this thing.

It would be great, if we weren't currently having a pandemic, hurricane season, protests in the street...not to mention feeding these people.  The Landing and all its restaurants (ok, what was left of its restaurants) is all gone now.  We couldn't possibly scare up enough food trucks.

Quote from: Steve on June 03, 2020, 09:07:20 AM
While I'd rather this not here, the arena really isn't the issue - VyStar holds between 15k and 16k for an event like this, which is actually not that far off:

- Spectrum (Charlotte) is 19k
- Bridgestone (Nashville) is 19k
- T-Mobile (Vegas) is 20k
- MSG (New York) is 20k

I mean, Jax would struggle with a lot of other things, but really the Arena isn't the big issue here - hotels are.

Yeah but I think the Donald wants a stadium show for his nomination acceptance, like Obama had. I'm thinking covered stadiums have the best shot to allow a large crowd with some distancing - my money ($.02) is on Jerry's World!

As much as hosting this convention could be a big positive for the city I'm having my doubts on in this would really have a positive economic benefit overall. There is no way that a convention held in Jacksonville or anywhere else for that matter will have as many people coming as if this will be held in Charlotte as planned. Many have booked plans in advance and had hotel rooms near the venue may reconsider given that they have to fly and flight connections here which were not stellar in the past will be more of a clusterfuck due to current flight and seat availability reductions from the virus. And if they were to rebook their room there's a good chance it will be way outside the center of the action where all the co-mingling and wheeling&dealing are taking place. Most of these delegates that would normally stay the vast majority of the convention are here for state and national party committee meetings which given the changes and restrictions they will most likely do more of these remotely like most everything else in this day and age.

Then you also have the demonstrators and counter-demonstrators coming from all over that are always parts of gatherings like this. My belief is that these protests will be peaceful and under control but how many of these conservative-minded delegates will have concerns about their safety? Would their families have similar concerns for their well-being and their health with some of them having to take an addition flight to get here and back? With today's heighted tensions and ratcheted rhetoric?

But most of all we need to consider the logistics of planning an event like this – security, organizing the venues, directing and controlling crowds, accommodating big-time sponsors, housing press and media, etc. not to mention possible COVID-19 health emergencies. You're asking a city in two months time to make plans that have taken cities like Milwaukee and Charlotte well over a year to organize. Certainly can be done but definitely not as smoothly or efficiently (and if certain municipalities' experience with previous Trump rallies are an example don't hold your breath on being promptly reimbursed for any special contingencies or sudden plan changes bound to pop up).

To sum up, would this all be worth it? 

I hope it goes elsewhere.  To me it would just serve as a reward to our city for having morons like Curry, Rutherford, our city council, failing schools, rightwing fundamentalist birthers, and MAGA cretins.  Let's just keep monster trucks, rasslin', and has-been musical groups.  For once Jacksonville leaders, don't waste time and a lot of tax dollars to allow others to use us once again as a pawn to get they way.  Worry about our schools, infrastructure, and improving our quality of life.  We already have 500,000 yahoos in town that have made our town what it is, don't import 50,000 more.

One side always trying to stop and censor the other (with events, banks, alternative social media etc). They say "get you own" but always interfere and try to sabotage...If Jax gets the GOP convention, the usual shadow DNC backed hacktivist will try to thwart it.  Remind me which side is 'fascist' again???

Quote from: I-10east on June 04, 2020, 09:21:55 AM
  Remind me which side is 'fascist' again???

The one that is using the military against peaceful U.S. citizens for a crass Presidential photo op. The same ones that think they can dictate to state and local officials that they are exempt from state/local regulations. In case you still don't understand, the GOP.   

https://www.axios.com/republican-national-convention-host-city-search-8bad370a-488d-470e-bafe-6a66897c98e9.html (https://www.axios.com/republican-national-convention-host-city-search-8bad370a-488d-470e-bafe-6a66897c98e9.html)

The cities under consideration include Jacksonville, Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Atlanta and possibly New Orleans and Savannah.

Jacksonville is the only of those cities led by a Republican mayor. It's an appealing option to many RNC officials, but there's a concern about the availability of hotel rooms.

Pretty sure DeSantis said Orlando and Miami are options as well. Miami has a Republican mayor.

Miami is behind the COVID curve.

Trump doesn't care about COVID.

Miami might.

As of yesterday, this interview with DeSantis suggested they were interested:

QuoteHe mentioned some of the cities that could be in the running: "Orlando because of the hotel capacity would be an obvious place." He said Jacksonville is interested and so is Miami-Dade County, "a place that is used to hosting large events." Once consideration for Miami could be the Miami Beach Convention Center, a site used to hosting gatherings such as Art Basel, would be able to accommodate convention crowds.

Full article: https://www.local10.com/news/local/2020/06/03/gov-ron-desantis-holds-news-conference-in-orlando/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/elections-2020/republicans-look-at-multi-city-convention-for-trumps-renomination/ar-BB154Qgy

Quote from: Papa33 on June 05, 2020, 01:29:15 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/elections-2020/republicans-look-at-multi-city-convention-for-trumps-renomination/ar-BB154Qgy

Only tangentially related to the article, but I'm really fed up with this line of "according to sources familiar with the matter"

How has that grown to become an acceptable citing of sources in the modern day? It lends so little credence to the legitimacy of news publications.

More directly related to the article:

A decentralized collection of televised rally-type events sounds like a not-too-bad idea. More attendance, less centralized impact on a single city, larger overall attendance and better likelihood of more local attendees in more locations.

Quote from: Peter Griffin on June 05, 2020, 01:37:46 PM

Quote from: Papa33 on June 05, 2020, 01:29:15 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/elections-2020/republicans-look-at-multi-city-convention-for-trumps-renomination/ar-BB154Qgy

Only tangentially related to the article, but I'm really fed up with this line of "according to sources familiar with the matter"

How has that grown to become an acceptable citing of sources in the modern day? It lends so little credence to the legitimacy of news publications.

It's standard practice to protect sources who might be compromised if their name was attached to it.

Quote from: Tacachale on June 05, 2020, 02:25:39 PM
It's standard practice to protect sources who might be compromised if their name was attached to it.

That still doesn't make it a credible citation, and allows for the complete fabrication of news. It being a standard practice to protect certain sources has now evolved to being a standard practice for absolutely any source

Quote from: Peter Griffin on June 05, 2020, 02:50:40 PM

Quote from: Tacachale on June 05, 2020, 02:25:39 PM
It's standard practice to protect sources who might be compromised if their name was attached to it.

That still doesn't make it a credible citation, and allows for the complete fabrication of news. It being a standard practice to protect certain sources has now evolved to being a standard practice for absolutely any source

It's almost as if a reader's critical thinking should be exercised and the quality and integrity of the journalist and publiciation should be considered when evaluating the trustworthiness of anonymous sources.

https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/telling-the-story/anonymous-sources (https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/telling-the-story/anonymous-sources)

Quote from: itsfantastic1 on June 05, 2020, 03:19:32 PM
It's almost as if a reader's critical thinking should be exercised and the quality and integrity of the journalist and publiciation should be considered when evaluating the trustworthiness of anonymous sources.

https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/telling-the-story/anonymous-sources (https://www.ap.org/about/news-values-and-principles/telling-the-story/anonymous-sources)

Right, which I typically do, but it'd be really nice to be able to trust the media and not to have to constantly be in skeptic mode, which is tiring.

That said, I typically write most "news" media off as either entertainment, native advertising, or propaganda. Just go full cynic, saves me from some grief.

I'm complaining out loud about a grievance I have with the current state of media, though. 

My understanding is many sources want to get out info on behalf of their employers but don't want to make it "official" by being named.  It allows the organization to send out trial balloons on their positions without being committed to them or to "socially distance" themselves if they are greeted negatively.  This process can also message and test other parties they are engaged in without being obligated, such as between governments.  Think "ping pong" diplomacy.

I would suggest the White House (no matter the party in power) is a leader in this practice.  I understand sometimes even presidents have been "unnamed sources."  ;D

Hard pass.

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on June 05, 2020, 05:09:02 PM
My understanding is many sources want to get out info on behalf of their employers but don't want to make it "official" by being named.  It allows the organization to send out trial balloons on their positions without being committed to them or to "socially distance" themselves if they are greeted negatively.  This process can also message and test other parties they are engaged in without being obligated, such as between governments.  Think "ping pong" diplomacy.

I would suggest the White House (no matter the party in power) is a leader in this practice.  I understand sometimes even presidents have been "unnamed sources."  ;D

+ 1000.  It is nothing new either. When someone criticizes the use of 'unnamed sources' they usually can't defend themsselves on the merits. You would never uncover corruption either if every source had to be named.

https://twitter.com/maggienyt/status/1269264437594251264?s=21

Jax has a better chance of hosting the convention than I previously thought.

A part of the convention or the entire thing? I read something early about them splitting it into multiple cities, including leaving some functions in Charlotte.

And then there were...I dunno...several? Looks like Dallas is bowing out from pursuing this at all.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2020/06/05/dallas-mayor-not-interested-in-trump-packing-an-arena-for-gop-convention-during-covid-19-pandemic/

Quote from: JaxAvondale on June 06, 2020, 12:06:09 PM
https://twitter.com/maggienyt/status/1269264437594251264?s=21

Jax has a better chance of hosting the convention than I previously thought.

From that Twitter feed, a new convention site recommendation...

Lake Of The Ozarks  ;D

Bring it! Can't wait to see the local theater show go national.

Jax is not hosting this convention. Where' everyone gonna stay? At the Berkman II?  Campers on one of Lenny's lawns?  We would look like CaCa to anyone paying attention. But it would be a great way to feature the new SkyWay clown cars!

Just curious, how many new hotels built downtown since the Super Bowl?

I am not a fan of Jax doing this.

However, if one assumes they need only 10,000 to 15,000 attendees to fill the arena to serve as a TV backdrop for Trump's photo ops (viewers likely couldn't easily determine the size of the hall from TV and the GOP would probably be satisfied to show every seat taken/standing room only, a more attainable advantage of a smaller arena [and allowing Trump to brag more wanted to come but they couldn't seat them all  ;D]), Jax could easily handle that.  It would be a pittance compared to Florida-Georgia or the Super Bowl.  And, unlike the Super Bowl, you may not have as many high rollers demanding 5-star accommodations so many more rooms could meet their standards.  If you take in the entire region, quite a few more hotel rooms have been built in the suburbs since the Super Bowl as Jax has grown so we shouldn't have any issues subject to COVID-19 social distancing and the health authorities feeling comfortable with any GOP plans.   Logistics and activities outside of the convention hall could be a more of an issue. 

If the GOP doesn't follow good practices and many of the delegates catch COVID while attending, I would think most would likely be back home before the worst hit them relieving local hospitals of the burden created.  Not wishing anyone ill will but they would all know the risk of attending.  The question would be what the COVID impact would be on us local residents and what would be done to protect our community.  This is obviously the main issue in Charlotte and we should have the same concerns here.

As an aside, the GOP may have a bigger problem than the location as I am reading some of their potential "delegates" are not exactly clamoring to attend given many are over 60 and don't want to risk attending.  Some states are having issues filling out their delegations:

QuoteBecause of the uncertainty regarding the details and city for the convention as well as the coronavirus pandemic, some states are struggling to fill their delegate spaces. Many people who had planned to attend the convention are in the at-risk age group, and they seem to feel wary of attending due to the expected large crowds. Some states also received applications from unknown Republicans, and they weren't confident the people who applied were pro-Trump delegates. In 2016, the RNC did not fully support Trump's nomination, and some people booed, so the 2020 convention is seen as a chance for Trump to have the party's full support.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6096647/donald-trump-gop-delegates/ (https://www.inquisitr.com/6096647/donald-trump-gop-delegates/)

Quote from: MusicMan on June 06, 2020, 07:43:13 PMJust curious, how many new hotels built downtown since the Super Bowl?

No hotel rooms have been completed in DT since the super bowl. Two hotels are currently under some level of construction now. A La Quinta Inn and Residence Inn by Marriott.

Quote from: MusicMan on June 06, 2020, 07:43:13 PM
Jax is not hosting this convention. Where' everyone gonna stay? At the Berkman II?  Campers on one of Lenny's lawns?  We would look like CaCa to anyone paying attention. But it would be a great way to feature the new SkyWay clown cars!

Just curious, how many new hotels built downtown since the Super Bowl?

CRUISE SHIPS !!  Hello !

How about some of those trailers leftover from Katrina?

Quote from: vicupstate on June 07, 2020, 12:34:16 PM
CRUISE SHIPS !!  Hello !

Carnival has one and NCL has 3 or 4 parked at JaxPort.  Many have (sarcastically?) suggested the GOP move their convention to a cruise ship so Jax could make everyone happy with a hybrid convention location.  Haha.

Cruise Ships....the Original Floating Petri Dish!

The SS COVID-19

Quote from: MusicMan on June 07, 2020, 04:46:02 PM
Cruise Ships....the Original Floating Petri Dish!

The SS COVID-19

Exactly. No better way to own the libs!

Is it at all wrong that I kinda want them to do it, just for the spectacle of it all?

I imagine it'd be pretty entertaining to watch what the collision of municipal corruption and federal corruption in a city with little to no preparation amidst a global pandemic and widespread civil unrest looks like.

If it's going to be a mess anyway, let's grab some popcorn, enjoy the show, and record it for the history books.

https://politicalwire.com/2020/06/08/states-court-trump-to-host-gop-convention/ (https://politicalwire.com/2020/06/08/states-court-trump-to-host-gop-convention/)

On Monday, a team of Republican National Committee and campaign officials visited Jacksonville to tour and assess the city. Multiple sources told CNN that Jacksonville was currently one of the leading contenders to host the convention.

While the city's Mayor Lenny Curry pitched Jacksonville as the next convention host on Twitter last week, Florida allies had begun reaching out to the White House over the possibility weeks ago.

The scramble to find a new home for the convention comes after tense negotiations between Republican officials and officials from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's office broke down last week. Trump, over the last two weeks, started to target Cooper because he refused to lift social distancing guidelines and allow massive crowds inside the host arena, a strategy that Republicans have said looks to turn the Democratic governor into a scapegoat should the convention not be able to go off as planned due to coronavirus.

As CNN previously reported, the RNC will still have to hold some formal portions of the convention in Charlotte due to contractual obligations. However, the performative aspects -- such as Trump's speech accepting the nomination -- are expected to take place elsewhere.

In an interview in May, Trump accused Cooper of "playing politics" by delaying opening the state from measures meant to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Shortly afterward, Florida Republican Rep. Mike Waltz called the President and made a personal pitch to bring the convention to the Sunshine State, a source familiar with the conversation told CNN.

Waltz, whose district sits just south of Jacksonville, also followed up his argument in person when he traveled with Trump on Air Force One to the Kennedy Space Center, the source said. The call was first reported by Politico.

DeSantis, who talks to the President regularly, told Fox last week that the state was ready to host the event.

"We'll be able to make those decisions about what precautions need to be taken as you get closer, but to just rule out a convention at this stage, I think, is a mistake," DeSantis said. "So we've said we want to get to 'yes' on it, and I think you'll be able to do it."

In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp spent the day in Savannah with Republican National Convention officials, including president and CEO Marcia Lee Kelly, giving a tour of the city.

Kemp has been in touch with White House staff since the President voiced his frustrations with Cooper on Twitter. Kemp released a statement that read, in part, "We are honored to offer a truly unmatched experience to the Republican National Convention. With renowned southern hospitality, first-class facilities, and a top-notch work force, 'The Hostess City of the South' will leave a lasting impression on Marcia Lee Kelly and her team."

One official familiar with these conversations between state and city officials and the RNC described them as unorganized, with RNC leadership nervous about getting out in front of Trump.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on May 27, 2020, 05:23:48 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on May 27, 2020, 02:43:12 PM
I think DeSatan also mentioned Miami and Orlando as possible Florida sites.

Desatan???   ::) :o

and that's a compliment. I am extremely opposed to this. Don't forget that this will draw plenty of protesters also. We don't need this crap.

I work in retail. Believe me MOST people DO NOT follow the rules. NO MASKS! NO SOCIAL DISTANCING! I will have to stay home the entire time if they come. Remember tRump thinks wearing a mask is a political statement and his cult followers feel the same. NO THANKS!

Quote from: avonjax on June 09, 2020, 06:54:13 AM
I work in retail. Believe me MOST people DO NOT follow the rules. NO MASKS! NO SOCIAL DISTANCING! I will have to stay home the entire time if they come. Remember tRump thinks wearing a mask is a political statement and his cult followers feel the same. NO THANKS!

SHOCKING!  MOST people DO NOT follow the rules??!!  I have known that for years...lol. Left to their own most will do whatever they damn will please. It really has nothing to do with your governor...

Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 09, 2020, 07:05:16 AM

Quote from: avonjax on June 09, 2020, 06:54:13 AM
I work in retail. Believe me MOST people DO NOT follow the rules. NO MASKS! NO SOCIAL DISTANCING! I will have to stay home the entire time if they come. Remember tRump thinks wearing a mask is a political statement and his cult followers feel the same. NO THANKS!

SHOCKING!  MOST people DO NOT follow the rules??!!  I have known that for years...lol. Left to their own most will do whatever they damn will please. It really has nothing to do with your governor...

Did I say the governor? NO. I'm talking about the people who will come here and possibly spread the virus. And no I don't like anyone who is so up tRump's butt like DeSantis

Quote from: avonjax on June 09, 2020, 07:23:55 AM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on June 09, 2020, 07:05:16 AM

Quote from: avonjax on June 09, 2020, 06:54:13 AM
I work in retail. Believe me MOST people DO NOT follow the rules. NO MASKS! NO SOCIAL DISTANCING! I will have to stay home the entire time if they come. Remember tRump thinks wearing a mask is a political statement and his cult followers feel the same. NO THANKS!

SHOCKING!  MOST people DO NOT follow the rules??!!  I have known that for years...lol. Left to their own most will do whatever they damn will please. It really has nothing to do with your governor...

Did I say the governor? NO. I'm talking about the people who will come here and possibly spread the virus. And no I don't like anyone who is so up tRump's butt like DeSantis

Sounds to me like it's your employer who is not enforcing the rules...

Quote from: avonjax on June 09, 2020, 06:54:13 AM
I work in retail. Believe me MOST people DO NOT follow the rules. NO MASKS! NO SOCIAL DISTANCING! I will have to stay home the entire time if they come. Remember tRump thinks wearing a mask is a political statement and his cult followers feel the same. NO THANKS!

Wow, triggered much?

Quote from: bill on June 09, 2020, 10:54:33 PM

Quote from: avonjax on June 09, 2020, 06:54:13 AM
I work in retail. Believe me MOST people DO NOT follow the rules. NO MASKS! NO SOCIAL DISTANCING! I will have to stay home the entire time if they come. Remember tRump thinks wearing a mask is a political statement and his cult followers feel the same. NO THANKS!

Wow, triggered much?

triggered because I'm telling the truth? Does that bother you? Too bad!

Believe these people care more about money than the health of the people. It's disgusting.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gop-expects-to-move-its-convention-to-jacksonville-after-dispute-with-north-carolina-over-pandemic-safeguards/2020/06/09/8c96e088-aaaa-11ea-a9d9-a81c1a491c52_story.html

Quote from: avonjax on June 10, 2020, 07:06:51 AM
Believe these people care more about money than the health of the people. It's disgusting.

Believe that people who are at risk or concerned about their health can just... stay home.

Would you say the same of the recent protesters?

The protesters are outside and mostly wear masks. That won't be the case for a convention.

Quote from: Peter Griffin on June 10, 2020, 09:55:52 AM
Would you say the same of the recent protesters?

Neither are ideal.

Uhh, congrats? I guess?

yeah, let me clarify, I don't think the protesters nor the potential GOP convention attendees "don't care about others' health" I think that's a bad-faith assertion. My original comment could be read to imply that I was asking if the poster thought the protesters cared more about money than health, when in fact the protesters don't care about money, but about social injustices.

My point was that, in my opinion, healthy low-risk people gathering post-lockdown does not show a disregard for the safety of others.

Thanks if you read this, I don't want to come across as insensitive as I fully support the protester's calls for police reform, and seriously hope we see sweeping police reforms nationwide in the coming months.

Insane lapse of judgement by the city.

Cannot disagree with this decision more.

COVID aside, bending over backwards to host what is essentially a pep rally for Donald Trump is an implicit endorsement of his actions and attitudes.

Speaks louder than the removal of any statue.

Let another city get raked through the coals and burnt to the ground.

There was any doubt our mayor or governor were drinking from the Cheeto colored teet? News to me.

Looks like someone has booked all the Downtown area hotel rooms for the week.


https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/jacksonville-may-host-rnc/77-13fd9ad7-42f3-4eba-b293-ae1a7b1c5698 (https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/jacksonville-may-host-rnc/77-13fd9ad7-42f3-4eba-b293-ae1a7b1c5698)

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/florida-gop-tweets-that-jacksonville-is-front-runner-for-the-republican-national-convention

It's sure starting to sound like this is happening. Like I said before, if nothing else it'll definitely be a sight for the eyes.

Doing this 'favor' for Florida and DeSantis may come with a price ....

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/10/interior-drilling-florida-waters-november-election-310595 (https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/10/interior-drilling-florida-waters-november-election-310595)

Quote from: JeffreyS on June 10, 2020, 11:56:50 AM
Looks like someone has booked all the Downtown area hotel rooms for the week.


https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/jacksonville-may-host-rnc/77-13fd9ad7-42f3-4eba-b293-ae1a7b1c5698 (https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/jacksonville-may-host-rnc/77-13fd9ad7-42f3-4eba-b293-ae1a7b1c5698)

Must be Ticketmaster.

Convention Activities should include San Marco "Reflective Walk".
Then, bring it to the outlying rural fringe.
Lake Asbury Sector Plan / Outer Beltway Attempt number One.

Nate Monroe weighs in on the RNC Convention and suggests Curry is removing the Confederate monuments to "soften the blow" of protesters to his efforts to mortgage the City to host his buddy, Trump:

https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200610/nate-monroe-jacksonville-inches-forward-then-takes-two-steps-back (https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200610/nate-monroe-jacksonville-inches-forward-then-takes-two-steps-back)

Quote from: Peter Griffin on June 10, 2020, 09:55:52 AM

Quote from: avonjax on June 10, 2020, 07:06:51 AM
Believe these people care more about money than the health of the people. It's disgusting.

Believe that people who are at risk or concerned about their health can just... stay home.

some of us can't so your point pure crap.
You do realize that tRump doesn't give a crap about you, me or anyone's health. He just wants to be worshipped by a full house.
BTW I wouldn't want the DNC here either. Not under these circumstances.


Would you say the same of the recent protesters?

Quote from: Peter Griffin on June 10, 2020, 11:14:23 AM
yeah, let me clarify, I don't think the protesters nor the potential GOP convention attendees "don't care about others' health" I think that's a bad-faith assertion. My original comment could be read to imply that I was asking if the poster thought the protesters cared more about money than health, when in fact the protesters don't care about money, but about social injustices.

My point was that, in my opinion, healthy low-risk people gathering post-lockdown does not show a disregard for the safety of others.

and that is exactly why this virus is here to stay for a while. low risk people have died. that is not ok with me.

Thanks if you read this, I don't want to come across as insensitive as I fully support the protester's calls for police reform, and seriously hope we see sweeping police reforms nationwide in the coming months.

President Trump will accept the Republican presidential nomination on August 27 in Jacksonville, Florida, the 60th anniversary of "Ax Handle Saturday," the Washington Post reports.

That's when a mob of 200 white people in the city — organized by the Ku Klux Klan and joined by some of the city's police officers — chased and beat peaceful civil rights protesters (with ax handles and baseball bats) who were trying to integrate downtown lunch counters.

A permit had already been approved for civil rights activists for the 60th anniversary commemoration of those events.

Definitely will have my popcorn ready. There should be some pretty interesting demonstrations taking place on the streets of downtown.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2020/06/11/daily-202-trump-poised-to-accept-gop-nod-in-jacksonville-fla-on-60th-anniversary-of-ax-handle-saturday/5ee1b4c788e0fa32f82380a0/?fbclid=IwAR2XSr1H93Ol6e4OmyhmENck8Rmn0sNHlIhYAQniKnDRQH0H4-lKeZjPTcU

It's official. Here we go...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republicans-announce-trump-convention-events-will-move-to-jacksonville/2020/06/11/e8023372-ac22-11ea-a9d9-a81c1a491c52_story.html

Interesting coincidence that Florida announces it's highest single day COVID-19 additional cases yet today?  Also to coincide with the Axe Handle Saturday anniversary.  Strange timing....

Quote from: MusicMan on June 11, 2020, 09:35:35 PM
Interesting coincidence that Florida announces it's highest single day COVID-19 additional cases yet today?  Also to coincide with the Axe Handle Saturday anniversary.  Strange timing....

I'm sure these events are all tied together somewhere in the 5g Dark Web...

Adding to the irony of Trump being in Jacksonville on the 60th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday is that he is accepting the nomination in a city named for slave holder and Indian conqueror Andrew Jackson who also had a history of divisiveness.  Here is the Wikipedia summary of his career that ends with mixed reviews (bold emphasis added):

QuoteBorn in the colonial Carolinas to a Scotch-Irish family in the decade before the American Revolutionary War, Jackson became a frontier lawyer and married Rachel Donelson Robards. He served briefly in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, representing Tennessee. After resigning, he served as a justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court from 1798 until 1804. Jackson purchased a property later known as The Hermitage, and became a wealthy, slaveowning planter. In 1801, he was appointed colonel of the Tennessee militia and was elected its commander the following year. He led troops during the Creek War of 1813–1814, winning the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. The subsequent Treaty of Fort Jackson required the Creek surrender of vast lands in present-day Alabama and Georgia. In the concurrent war against the British, Jackson's victory in 1815 at the Battle of New Orleans made him a national hero. Jackson then led U.S. forces in the First Seminole War, which led to the annexation of Florida from Spain. Jackson briefly served as Florida's first territorial governor before returning to the Senate. He ran for president in 1824, winning a plurality of the popular and electoral vote. As no candidate won an electoral majority, the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams in a contingent election. In reaction to the alleged "corrupt bargain" between Adams and Henry Clay and the ambitious agenda of President Adams, Jackson's supporters founded the Democratic Party.

Jackson ran again in 1828, defeating Adams in a landslide. Jackson faced the threat of secession by South Carolina over what opponents called the "Tariff of Abominations." The crisis was defused when the tariff was amended, and Jackson threatened the use of military force if South Carolina attempted to secede. In Congress, Henry Clay led the effort to reauthorize the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson, regarding the Bank as a corrupt institution, vetoed the renewal of its charter. After a lengthy struggle, Jackson and his allies thoroughly dismantled the Bank. In 1835, Jackson became the only president to completely pay off the national debt, fulfilling a longtime goal. His presidency marked the beginning of the ascendancy of the party "spoils system" in American politics. In 1830, Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly relocated most members of the Native American tribes in the South to Indian Territory. The relocation process dispossessed the Indians and resulted in widespread death and disease. Jackson opposed the abolitionist movement, which grew stronger in his second term. In foreign affairs, Jackson's administration concluded a "most favored nation" treaty with Great Britain, settled claims of damages against France from the Napoleonic Wars, and recognized the Republic of Texas. In January 1835, he survived the first assassination attempt on a sitting president.

In his retirement, Jackson remained active in Democratic Party politics, supporting the presidencies of Martin Van Buren and James K. Polk. Though fearful of its effects on the slavery debate, Jackson advocated the annexation of Texas, which was accomplished shortly before his death. Jackson has been widely revered in the United States as an advocate for democracy and the common man. Many of his actions proved divisive, garnering both fervent support and strong opposition from many in the country. His reputation has suffered since the 1970s, largely due to his role in Native American removal. Surveys of historians and scholars have ranked Jackson favorably among U.S. presidents.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson

(https://media.giphy.com/media/pUeXcg80cO8I8/giphy.gif)

Curry I guess you tore down the Landing a bit too soon. Won't Jacksonville look wonderful, especially the empty lots on the riverfront, for the nation to see. It will be nice to see all the protests and crap that comes with this circus. Let me repeat I wouldn't want the DNC here at this time either. Too soon. But Curry and DeSantis are up the prez's butt.

QuoteVideo: Jacksonville welcomes the RNC

'It's official! Jacksonville will host the Republican National Convention this August. Mayor Lenny Curry believes the city does things big, bold and will be ready depsite the expedited event planning timeframe.

https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/video-jacksonville-welcomes-the-rnc/

Anybody have any vacation rentals in other places available that weekend?

I think it's cute that Curry expects the convention organizing committee to cover extra costs associated with the convention rally.
Trump has a history of stiffing cities for his rallies.

Quote from: avonjax on June 12, 2020, 07:05:08 AM
Curry I guess you tore down the Landing a bit too soon. Won't Jacksonville look wonderful, especially the empty lots on the riverfront, for the nation to see. It will be nice to see all the protests and crap that comes with this circus. Let me repeat I wouldn't want the DNC here at this time either. Too soon. But Curry and DeSantis are up the prez's butt.

That is one advantage to JAX hosting it. There are lots of vacant lots to hold protesters.  So many in fact and in such large sizes, that social distancing and protesting could co-exist.

Quote from: vicupstate on June 12, 2020, 09:29:02 AM

Quote from: avonjax on June 12, 2020, 07:05:08 AM
Curry I guess you tore down the Landing a bit too soon. Won't Jacksonville look wonderful, especially the empty lots on the riverfront, for the nation to see. It will be nice to see all the protests and crap that comes with this circus. Let me repeat I wouldn't want the DNC here at this time either. Too soon. But Curry and DeSantis are up the prez's butt.

That is one advantage to JAX hosting it. There are lots of vacant lots to hold protesters.  So many in fact and in such large sizes, that social distancing and protesting could co-exist.

Of course the flip side is the inevitable onslaught of negativity on Jacksonville from the national media. Lessee... ummm... full of rednecks, racists, Waffle House's,  and bereft of anything to do...

Quote from: Charles Hunter on June 12, 2020, 09:20:36 AM
I think it's cute that Curry expects the convention organizing committee to cover extra costs associated with the convention rally.
Trump has a history of stiffing cities for his rallies.

Read Mark Woods' column where he asks whether the city will be left holding the bag and what will be in it.  Here are two nuggets from the original bid for the "privilege" to host this convention:

The document detailed requirements for an arena, a massive amount of office space, parking for 2,500 vehicles and much more — all provided to the RNC at "no charge."

It also said that the temperature in the arena must be kept between 68 and 73 degrees — and that the host committee or city must pay the entire convention's electric bill.

Luckily, we aren't hosting the entire convention. Much of it will remain in Charlotte.

Do we think the RNC demands on Jacksonville will be any less?  (Adjusting for different events.)

Quote from: vicupstate on June 12, 2020, 09:29:02 AM

Quote from: avonjax on June 12, 2020, 07:05:08 AM
Curry I guess you tore down the Landing a bit too soon. Won't Jacksonville look wonderful, especially the empty lots on the riverfront, for the nation to see. It will be nice to see all the protests and crap that comes with this circus. Let me repeat I wouldn't want the DNC here at this time either. Too soon. But Curry and DeSantis are up the prez's butt.

That is one advantage to JAX hosting it. There are lots of vacant lots to hold protesters.  So many in fact and in such large sizes, that social distancing and protesting could co-exist.

Good luck to anybody protesting or supporting in the August heat in a vacant lot with no shade. It is going to be blazing hot.

Quote from: JaxAvondale on June 12, 2020, 10:59:07 AM

Quote from: vicupstate on June 12, 2020, 09:29:02 AM

Quote from: avonjax on June 12, 2020, 07:05:08 AM
Curry I guess you tore down the Landing a bit too soon. Won't Jacksonville look wonderful, especially the empty lots on the riverfront, for the nation to see. It will be nice to see all the protests and crap that comes with this circus. Let me repeat I wouldn't want the DNC here at this time either. Too soon. But Curry and DeSantis are up the prez's butt.

That is one advantage to JAX hosting it. There are lots of vacant lots to hold protesters.  So many in fact and in such large sizes, that social distancing and protesting could co-exist.

Good luck to anybody protesting or supporting in the August heat in a vacant lot with no shade. It is going to be blazing hot.

Sadly, there is a better chance of surviving in those lots than there is this bill will be paid in full.

Quote from: Charles Hunter on June 12, 2020, 10:31:42 AM
Do we think the RNC demands on Jacksonville will be any less?  (Adjusting for different events.)

In this case, I believe they will. Since we aren't hosting the things they're keeping in Charlotte, those are costs we shouldn't have to worry about. If we were hosting the entire thing, then I'd be more inclined to believe we'd be forced to spend more money.

JS #75: Maybe the professional protesters/actors are locking down their hotel rooms for the occasion. It's gonna be a real cluster.

Well i was wrong (you'll never hear Trump say that!).

Bring on the mess. Our city does not do things 'Big and Bold'. There is no history of that. Unless you count demolition of perfectly fine structures. And we do not have a proper Convention Center so they will have to improvise. The heat will be making everyone's lives miserable. Hopefully no big increases in COVID-19 or hospitalizations...or deaths.  Good thing we don't get hurricanes in late August. 8)

Quote from: sandyshoes on June 12, 2020, 12:44:13 PM
JS #75: Maybe the professional protesters/actors are locking down their hotel rooms for the occasion. It's gonna be a real cluster.

https://www.npr.org/2020/06/09/873278314/no-sign-of-antifa-so-far-in-justice-department-cases-brought-over-unrest

I'm sure you have ample evidence of paid protestors. Do tell.

Please no conspiracy theories, folks.

Maybe the air conditioning and plumbing in the Arena will fail?

Quote from: thelakelander on June 12, 2020, 08:05:35 AM

QuoteVideo: Jacksonville welcomes the RNC

'It's official! Jacksonville will host the Republican National Convention this August. Mayor Lenny Curry believes the city does things big, bold and will be ready depsite the expedited event planning timeframe.

https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/video-jacksonville-welcomes-the-rnc/

Interesting pic of Intuition and the arena. Mayor Curry mentioned breweries during his media call this morning. He also mentioned how our downtown's layout means that the security zone won't affect much (nice spin for having the stadium/arena area completely separated from the core). Will be curious to see how Intuition and Manifest do during the event.

Greetings from Charlotte, all.  Congrats to Jax on a last minute designation as the site of the RNC's Grand Pep Rally.  Congrats to Charlotte on being rid of this narcissist's attempts at a grand coronation assemblage. 

Trump appeared to want a guarantee of the future from NC's democratic governor, and he's still not quite getting one from Florida and Duval County, as no one can really offer that.  I think the change in venue is a tactical response to changing confidence levels in electoral outcomes.  I speculate that Trump's home turf has become more of a battleground than previously expected, and it happens to be a much bigger pot of electoral votes, so the move to Jax is an activation of the home turf defense program.

Quote from: tufsu1 on June 12, 2020, 05:37:37 PM
He also mentioned how our downtown's layout means that the security zone won't affect much (nice spin for having the stadium/arena area completely separated from the core).

But what about the BARBELL?

I've already had HS friends who live in southwest Florida offer us a place to stay if we want to become refugees.

No comment.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/06/14/trump-supporters-hold-jacksonville-boat-rally-for-presidents-birthday/

Quote from: Tacachale on June 12, 2020, 03:08:26 PM
Please no conspiracy theories, folks.

San Marco Reflective Walk Participant Survey question:

San Marco Business owners :
——— Will
——— Will Not
Keep Window Boarding Materials On Hand

Quote from: Ken_FSU on June 14, 2020, 09:59:54 PM
No comment.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/06/14/trump-supporters-hold-jacksonville-boat-rally-for-presidents-birthday/

In fact worthy of observation and comment.

Downtown Trump Boat Flotilla, which included land based supporters, could have sparked Protest.
Apparently Calm.

No city in this country is better suited for hosting a political convention this year.

Quote from: bl8jaxnative on June 15, 2020, 12:55:35 PM
No city in this country is better suited for hosting a political convention this year.

The Hyatt downtown just laid off 200 workers.  We seem really ready...

Previews of coming attractions?  100,000 in Tulsa this week with little compliance with COVID protocols while cases spike:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-supporters-crowd-tulsa-ahead-saturday-rally-n1231454 (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-supporters-crowd-tulsa-ahead-saturday-rally-n1231454)

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on June 18, 2020, 11:38:28 PM
Previews of coming attractions?  100,000 in Tulsa this week with little compliance with COVID protocols while cases spike:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-supporters-crowd-tulsa-ahead-saturday-rally-n1231454 (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-supporters-crowd-tulsa-ahead-saturday-rally-n1231454)

Thing is, we won't know how bad it ended up until two weeks from now. To top it off, there are probably a nonzero number of people who flew in for the rally. So... yikes.

Don't worry guys.  Its only due to more testing.  I have a feeling tests will start becoming scarce around stops on the traveling circus.

But even more testing with more people officially having covid simply solidifies this thing is more prominent locally than most of us probably imagine it to be. Seems like we're still in a state of not really knowing what's going on.

Who else is excited to have their citizens threatened by the President for exercising their First Amendment right to protest?  Lumping protestors in with anarchists, agitators, looters, and "lowlifes" is exactly the divisive nonsense we don't need right now.  I am not sure when decency became political.

Trump has been threatening American's since day one. He's pathetic.

Quote from: MandarinNole on June 19, 2020, 01:37:13 PM
I am not sure when decency became political.

June 16, 2015. That's exactly when.

Jacksonville's Convention Embrace ( by some) is wreck less, considering potential  " unlawful" impacts, destruction.

Large disturbance in Orange Park today.Clay! Ha!
Fast Forward

Quote from: sanmarcomatt on June 20, 2020, 08:43:12 AM

Quote from: marcuscnelson on June 19, 2020, 08:34:01 PM
June 16, 2015. That's exactly when.

Ha ha ha ha. You should study our political history a little. I think you would find it rather entertaining.

I was being snappy and hyperbolic, but good point. It is easier to point to the starting date of our current disaster than try to pinpoint a moment in at least the mid twentieth century that led us to now, or even just admit that most political history has simply had the appearance of decency, and not any actual substance of it.

Six campaign staffers for the Trump rally in Tulsa tested positive for COVID-19
https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/20/politics/trump-campaign-staffers/index.html

Looks like DeSantis, Curry and local Republicans could be holding Trump's bag after seeing Tulsa results.  In Tulsa tonight, the 19,000 seat arena was far from full (surprising, since Trump's campaign said they had "1 million requests for tickets"!).  Trump and Pence were supposed to also address an "overflow" crowd outside but didn't amid reports only a few dozen people were milling around. 

Imagine, an RNC convention with lots of empty seats on the floor and up into the rafters amid a big uptick in local COVID cases and the presence of "radical" protesters.  Let's see if there is a resulting increase in the spread COVID, the fanning of the flames of unrest and little or no local economic benefit while sticking Duval taxpayers with un-reimbursed expenses.  There is a real possibility that RNC, Trump and Jacksonville may be headed for an embarrassment of global proportions and that Curry drives the final nail in his political career.  For sure, lot's of risks headed our way.

Tulsa report:  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/20/us/trump-rally-tulsa.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/20/us/trump-rally-tulsa.html)

Adding an interesting CNBC article:  https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/20/republican-national-convention-heres-what-it-takes-to-host-it.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/20/republican-national-convention-heres-what-it-takes-to-host-it.html)

[Emphasis added]

QuoteYears of planning, millions of dollars: What it takes to host a Republican National Convention

...."My personal opinion is planning a traditional convention of the size and scale that you normally see in a two-month period is not possible," said Joe Roman, former vice president of the Cleveland Host Committee, which organized the 2016 convention. "There are so many dots that have to get connected to pull this off."

Neither planning nor preparation appeared to concern Trump, who repeatedly threatened to move the convention out of North Carolina because of social distancing guidelines that would have severely restricted the number of participants during the four-day event scheduled to start Aug. 24.

Putting on a successful convention of this magnitude is a team effort between the GOP, the federal government, and the host committee that organizes it. That committee is usually made up of individuals who have had a key role in shaping the city that's preparing to host the convention....

....Under more normal circumstances, a city that's itching to host either the Republican National Convention or the Democratic National Convention will put together a bid for review, outlining the reasons why that city is the best choice.

For previous conventions, host committees began the planning process years before the nominee was even known.

"We were awarded the event about two years out," said David Gilbert, former president and CEO of the Cleveland Host Committee. "There's so much that goes into the bid. A lot of that information lays the groundwork. If you think about it in those terms, the planning really begins 2½ years out."

After a bid is accepted, the committee has to put together funding to prepare the venue in which the convention will occur. That money also helps solidify transportation and pay people like construction workers who are making renovations happen.

Conventions like this can cost up to $100 million, according to multiple past organizers. The Department of Homeland Security fronts about half for security to protect high-profile politicians and provide technology enhancements. The rest of the money comes from private donations.

"The biggest venue need, which does eliminate a number of cities, is a top-tier competitive indoor arena -- the kinds of arenas that cities traditionally host their NBA or NHL franchises in," Roman said. But to turn that indoor arena into something like a concert hall is the real challenge. Construction workers have to reconfigure and add seating, build production studios, and create a "dramatic" stage "that pops," he said.

"You go from playing basketball to hosting the equivalent of the Grammys. So you need a stage that is going to be front and center in front of hundreds of millions of people for four nights," Roman said. "That's not what a basketball arena was created to be."

The members in a host committee, a nonpartisan group, have an incentive to bring a large-scale convention to their city to highlight its development and present it as a hot spot for economic growth and activity, Gilbert and Roman said. So whether it's the DNC or the RNC, the committee is working to bring one of them home. Both teem with "political tourists" and thousands of credentialed media, likely bringing in a huge return on investment, the added. About 45,000 people, including 15,000 credentialed media, came to Cleveland in 2016 for the RNC....

....The Republican National Committee announced the selection of Charlotte on July 20, 2018. Since then, Charlotte's host committee, led by John Lassiter — a longtime Republican and former city council member — has been working to raise $70 million to prepare for the big event.

This involved months of outreach to local community members, groups and corporations to fund parts of the initiative.

Vance Opperman, former co-chair of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul host committee for the 2008 Republican National Convention, told CNBC he has "friends in North Carolina who are overjoyed that they're not going to have it."

Charlotte's host committee did not respond to a request for comment from CNBC.

Eight years ago, Charlotte hosted the Democratic National Convention, meaning the city had already undergone many infrastructural changes. That experience may have been an factor in the RNC's decision to choose Charlotte for 2020.

"They have the muscle memory in Charlotte for knowing how to do this, and I could see where that would be extremely relevant," Roman said....

All good points, but there are also a lot of out of work actors who could use $100.......

I can't wait til the Soros buck symbols is made public!

Could be an epic dud like the Tulsa rally.

Imagine the RNC convention being moved to an airport hanger or high school gym!  LOL.

[Emphasis added]

Quote
Trump aides debate future size and look of signature rallies after Tulsa debacle

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/22/politics/trump-future-rallies/index.html

....Few people around Trump believe rallies will be eliminated altogether. But the empty seats and vacant overflow lot in Tulsa were an indication that their formula needs rethinking amid a continuing pandemic and an altered political landscape.

There are discussions about finding outdoor venues where supporters might feel safer convening, the people familiar said. One campaign source suggested holding more airplane hangar rallies, a common feature of Trump's last campaign that allowed him to visit a location without ever leaving the airport.

Other officials acknowledged that Tulsa was a sign even Trump's supporters remain wary of large crowds as coronavirus continues to spread, a reality that may force his campaign to book smaller venues for greatly reduced audiences.

Trump has convened smaller rallies in the past, particularly as he campaigned during the 2018 midterm elections. He has filled suburban high school gyms and hangars at small regional airports easily, though the President himself has stated he prefers playing massive arenas where rock stars and sports teams sell out....

^ oh our wonderful amphitheater would be just perfect

Governor and Mayor have placed Jacksonville in front of a train wreck.
incessant efforts with elevating Jacksonville might finally  implode.

The way things are and where things are seemingly headed, it would not surprise me to see the RNC put the kibosh on the convention.

I agree. Seems likely this event won't be happening. We've done nothing right so far and I doubt we'll start now.

That's all going to depend on the President, I think. Especially after what a disappointment Tulsa was, he'll be desperate to have a big room filled with people cheering for him. The types of people we see putting on weird boat parades want that. I don't know if the RNC, DeSantis, or Curry have the will to stop that.

If it doesn't turn out the way Trump wants, expect the local Jax RNC committee to get blamed....

QuoteOne Trump campaign official expressed relief that the Republican National Committee — as well as a nonpartisan host committee in Jacksonville — is handling most logistics for the convention so that the president's reelection team will be "spared" if the event does not go as planned, or if it fails to quench Trump's craving for a gigantic crowd of adoring supporters.

After being told 1 million people requested tickets for the Saturday rally in Tulsa, only to be greeted by a crowd that the Tulsa Fire Department estimated at 6,200, Trump spent his flight back to Washington grilling aides about the humiliating turn of events.

The Trump campaign official said the president's frustration with the crowd size erased any positive feelings he might have had about simply being back in front of a crowd after a three-month hiatus from the campaign trail.

"It would be a huge blow to morale if something goes wrong and we get blamed again, but I don't think that's going to happen because we aren't the ones in charge here," the official said, noting that the campaign's primary role is to select the lineup of speakers at the convention, which will run from Aug. 24-27.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/25/trump-team-prevent-tulsa-debacle-jacksonville-florida-339124

(https://3w8dlo2orf8y3crtc22sslbh-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/trump-empty-rally-tiktok-k-pop-fans.jpg)

Quote from: thelakelander on June 26, 2020, 03:15:11 PM
If it doesn't turn out the way Trump wants, expect the local Jax RNC committee to get blamed....

QuoteOne Trump campaign official expressed relief that the Republican National Committee — as well as a nonpartisan host committee in Jacksonville — is handling most logistics for the convention so that the president's reelection team will be "spared" if the event does not go as planned, or if it fails to quench Trump's craving for a gigantic crowd of adoring supporters.

After being told 1 million people requested tickets for the Saturday rally in Tulsa, only to be greeted by a crowd that the Tulsa Fire Department estimated at 6,200, Trump spent his flight back to Washington grilling aides about the humiliating turn of events.

The Trump campaign official said the president's frustration with the crowd size erased any positive feelings he might have had about simply being back in front of a crowd after a three-month hiatus from the campaign trail.

"It would be a huge blow to morale if something goes wrong and we get blamed again, but I don't think that's going to happen because we aren't the ones in charge here," the official said, noting that the campaign's primary role is to select the lineup of speakers at the convention, which will run from Aug. 24-27.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/25/trump-team-prevent-tulsa-debacle-jacksonville-florida-339124 (https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/25/trump-team-prevent-tulsa-debacle-jacksonville-florida-339124)

I don't understand how you have a nonpartisan host committee... for a partisan political convention.

^ Thanks, marcusnelson, I was wondering the same thing.

Quote"It would be a huge blow to morale if something goes wrong and we get blamed again, but I don't think that's going to happen because we aren't the ones in charge here," the official said, noting that the campaign's primary role is to select the lineup of speakers at the convention, which will run from Aug. 24-27.

True leadership right here.

Quote from: marcuscnelson on June 26, 2020, 03:31:34 PM

Quote from: thelakelander on June 26, 2020, 03:15:11 PM
If it doesn't turn out the way Trump wants, expect the local Jax RNC committee to get blamed....

QuoteOne Trump campaign official expressed relief that the Republican National Committee — as well as a nonpartisan host committee in Jacksonville — is handling most logistics for the convention so that the president's reelection team will be "spared" if the event does not go as planned, or if it fails to quench Trump's craving for a gigantic crowd of adoring supporters.

After being told 1 million people requested tickets for the Saturday rally in Tulsa, only to be greeted by a crowd that the Tulsa Fire Department estimated at 6,200, Trump spent his flight back to Washington grilling aides about the humiliating turn of events.

The Trump campaign official said the president's frustration with the crowd size erased any positive feelings he might have had about simply being back in front of a crowd after a three-month hiatus from the campaign trail.

"It would be a huge blow to morale if something goes wrong and we get blamed again, but I don't think that's going to happen because we aren't the ones in charge here," the official said, noting that the campaign's primary role is to select the lineup of speakers at the convention, which will run from Aug. 24-27.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/25/trump-team-prevent-tulsa-debacle-jacksonville-florida-339124 (https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/25/trump-team-prevent-tulsa-debacle-jacksonville-florida-339124)

I don't understand how you have a nonpartisan host committee... for a partisan political convention.

Because bipartisan revenue from the taxpayers of Jacksonville will be paying for it, and will be paying even more for it when Trump reneges on the bill they receive.

If Trump gives a speech it will be about him, not the country:

A few days later, Trump sat down with Fox News' Sean Hannity, who asked the president to talk about his priorities for a second term. According to the transcript, this was the Republican's full answer:

"Well, one of the things that will be really great -- you know, the word experience is still good. I always say talent is more important than experience, I've always said that. But the word experience is a very important word. It's a very important meaning. I never did this before. I never slept over in Washington. I was in Washington, I think, 17 times, all of a sudden, I'm president of the United States. You know the story, I'm riding down Pennsylvania Avenue with our first lady and I say, this is great. But I didn't know very many people in Washington. It wasn't my thing. I was from Manhattan, from New York. Now, I know everybody and I have great people in the administration. You make some mistakes like, you know, an idiot like Bolton. All he wanted to do was drop bombs on everybody. You don't have to drop bombs on everybody. You don't have to kill people."

Note, the question was, "What are your top priority items for a second term?" In response, Trump didn't point to any priorities.

And all things considered, that wasn't altogether surprising. Trump delivered a campaign re-launch speech last weekend, and he neglected to say what he intended to do if rewarded with a second term. The president's campaign website does not feature an issues page listing any plans or blueprints for the future.

Even the Republican Party's 2020 platform is just the 2016 platform recycled."

Maybe they can just re-play a video of 2016 RNC.

Quote from: MusicMan on June 26, 2020, 06:18:58 PM
Note, the question was, "What are your top priority items for a second term?" In response, Trump didn't point to any priorities.

Sure he did.

Quote
A few days later, Trump sat down with Fox News' Sean Hannity, who asked the president to talk about his priorities for a second term. This was the Republican's full answer:

"...I'm president of the United States."

https://www.news4jax.com/election-2020/2020/07/06/report-funds-scare-to-put-on-republican-convention-in-jacksonville/

Quote from: Papa33 on July 06, 2020, 02:29:20 PM
https://www.news4jax.com/election-2020/2020/07/06/report-funds-scare-to-put-on-republican-convention-in-jacksonville/

Quote
Mullaney added that both the RNC and the city must be flexible based on what happens with both fundraising and Florida's coronavirus infection rate over the next few weeks.

"The city must be flexible" - translation: The City needs to be flexible enough to expect to spend unreimbursed tax dollars, and that no one i the Arena will wear masks.

I believe the peak of the Hurricane season is September 10.....?

Hot look for POTUS today on Twitter re: Bubba Wallace.

Bankrolling his pep rally and welcoming the RNC with open arms speaks louder than the removal of any statue or promises to do better.

Just disgraceful.

No city in this country is better suited for hosting a political convention this year.

Quote from: bl8jaxnative on July 07, 2020, 02:15:35 PM
No city in this country is better suited for hosting a political convention this year.

No city in this country should be hosting a political convention this year.  Fixed it for you.

Curry is now in quarantine.

https://www.firstcoastnews.com/amp/article/news/health/coronavirus/trump-gop-still-weighing-options-for-rnc-location-as-covid-19-numbers-climb-in-florida/77-3be81574-f85f-4234-ac71-deb7cdb8c38e

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — President Donald Trump said Tuesday the GOP is "always looking at different things" when discussing whether the Republican National Convention will still be hosted in Florida as cases of COVID-19 spike in the state.

Quote from: bl8jaxnative on July 07, 2020, 02:15:35 PM
No city in this country is better suited for hosting a political convention this year.

This reminds me of when Susie Wiles said Brad Thoburn was "Uniquely Qualified" to be the COJ Planning Director as they were petitioning City Council to waive the requirement that the Planning Director have 10 years experience (he had 0)

Attorney WC Gentry is representing a group of DT residents and businesses suing the City, the RNC and the Trump campaign, and ASM Global to stop the convention. Per Nate Monroe. 

Tulsa seeing a surge in Covid cases.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/us/tulsa-covid-trump-rally-contact-tracers-trnd/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/us/tulsa-covid-trump-rally-contact-tracers-trnd/index.html)

Quote from: vicupstate on July 08, 2020, 04:04:44 PM
Attorney WC Gentry is representing a group of DT residents and businesses suing the City, the RNC and the Trump campaign, and ASM Global to stop the convention. Per Nate Monroe.

Here is the link to the article:  https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200708/suit-filed-to-label-jacksonville-rnc-public-lsquonuisancersquo-shrink-event?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Florida%20Times-Union%20news-alerts%202020-07-0821:06:24&utm_content=GMPG_FTU&utm_term=070820 (https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200708/suit-filed-to-label-jacksonville-rnc-public-lsquonuisancersquo-shrink-event?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Florida%20Times-Union%20news-alerts%202020-07-0821:06:24&utm_content=GMPG_FTU&utm_term=070820)

If it wasn't so serious, this convention could be the subject of a comical reality show.  I guess that's appropriate since its "star" is a reality show personality who is still living as if the country was one too  8).

I note many national articles showing Trump and others making lots of "backtracking" comments about how this convention gets done, if at all.  A real circus.

Some Real Estate Person was quoted in the Jacksonville Business Journal saying that "Charlotte really messed up" passing on the RNC (not quite what Charlotte did, but we all know the story).  Big news here in Charlotte late last month: Centene, a Fortune 50 Company based in St. Louis, is building a regional HQ here.  $1 billion investment starting with 3200 employees, average salary $100,000.  At the press conference, Centene's CEO announced that he plans for the job count to total more like 6,000.

In the St. Louis press, when asked why not the investment in St. Louis, he commends Charlotte's and NC's leadership, and cites the city's and state's quick and thoughtful and community-based responses to upticks in crime, to affordable housing, and even to COVID.  He went so far as to note the statewide mask mandate here, and the decision to bypass the RNC because it went against data and the medical team's recommendations.  Hosting a Trump RNC is no issue.  It's Florida's and Trump's defiance of science and health expert recommendations for a relatively shallow objective that is so revolting.  Enjoy.

One Republican operative with knowledge of the discussions said the recent spike in cases in that state has created a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/506488-pandemic-mars-trumps-gop-convention-plans (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/506488-pandemic-mars-trumps-gop-convention-plans)

Quote from: vicupstate on July 09, 2020, 09:00:37 AM
One Republican operative with knowledge of the discussions said the recent spike in cases in that state has created a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/506488-pandemic-mars-trumps-gop-convention-plans (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/506488-pandemic-mars-trumps-gop-convention-plans)

If only there were trained professionals in place to warn them of the dangers of opening early, not wearing masks, not social distancing, and how dumb this idea was before they announced it.  IF ONLY!

QuoteThe Republican National Committee plans to make COVID-19 testing available to those attending the convention.

And yet, teachers and other educators apparently have to fend for themselves after being forced back into "brick and mortar" schools in a few weeks.

"The Republican convention in Jacksonville next month could be moved to an outdoor stadium as cases of the novel coronavirus in the state increase," the Washington Post reports.

"While no decision has been made, Republican officials are studying two outdoor professional sports stadiums near the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena where the convention is currently slated to be held. They are also looking more broadly into the logistics of pulling off an outdoor convention."

"An outdoor convention could pose its own set of problems, however. Florida is particularly hot in the summer, with temperatures often climbing to 100 degrees, and rain is also a threat."

Quote from: vicupstate on July 09, 2020, 12:29:56 PM
"The Republican convention in Jacksonville next month could be moved to an outdoor stadium as cases of the novel coronavirus in the state increase," the Washington Post reports.

"While no decision has been made, Republican officials are studying two outdoor professional sports stadiums near the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena where the convention is currently slated to be held. They are also looking more broadly into the logistics of pulling off an outdoor convention."

"An outdoor convention could pose its own set of problems, however. Florida is particularly hot in the summer, with temperatures often climbing to 100 degrees, and rain is also a threat."

There are plenty of high school gyms they could use if they are worried about heat and rain!  With social distancing, could probably manage maybe 200 people.  That's about equal to what Charlotte will have with their voting delegates.  Only high rollers though as they must each then spend an average of $500,000 during the 2 or 3 days they are here so we can hit Curry's $100 million economic impact number.  ;D

Quote from: vicupstate on July 09, 2020, 12:29:56 PM
"The Republican convention in Jacksonville next month could be moved to an outdoor stadium as cases of the novel coronavirus in the state increase," the Washington Post reports.

"While no decision has been made, Republican officials are studying two outdoor professional sports stadiums near the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena where the convention is currently slated to be held. They are also looking more broadly into the logistics of pulling off an outdoor convention."

"An outdoor convention could pose its own set of problems, however. Florida is particularly hot in the summer, with temperatures often climbing to 100 degrees, and rain is also a threat."

I saw that WaPo reported that.

To me, that's a colossally stupid idea. Let's put aside the brutal heat and humidity and pretend it never rains in the summer in Florida for a moment. Here are the options:

1. Try to fill the Stadium. Unless the Stones are going on right after Trump, this isn't happening. Plus, while not indoors it's not like we're distancing here.
2. Put 15k people (rough Arena capacity) in the Stadium. This doesn't work because it blows the optics issue. Heck, people rip Jags fans if they have 55k in the stadium because it looks empty. While I'd argue that you could distance much better by putting 15k in a 67k seat stadium, why move the convention to Jacksonville in the first place then? Charlotte has an NFL stadium that would have worked just fine if you were willing to do that.

Quote from: sanmarcomatt on July 09, 2020, 01:12:09 PM
A Korean team used stuffed animals which was pretty funny.

One team also used blow up dolls....google it.

They could probably fill the stadium with all the Confederate statues no one wants anymore.

Trump could take the Hollywood approach and use CGI (computer generated imagery) to fill any venue he wants.  If you look at scenes such as the concerts in "A Star is Born", almost the entire "audience" of thousands is CGI.  All this can be done in a studio and the viewing public probably wouldn't know the difference.  Skip the convention and just go this route.  Trump gets his "full house" of adoring "despicables" and we get spared the spread of COVID.  And, everyone saves millions in security and other staging costs.

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on July 09, 2020, 02:47:11 PM
Trump could take the Hollywood approach and use CGI (computer generated imagery) to fill any venue he wants.  If you look at scenes such as the concerts in "A Star is Born", almost the entire "audience" of thousands is CGI.  All this can be done in a studio and the viewing public probably wouldn't know the difference.  Skip the convention and just go this route.  Trump gets his "full house" of adoring "despicables" and we get spared the spread of COVID.  And, everyone saves millions in security and other staging costs.

Brilliant, haha

If this is true, then things are about to get REALLLLLY interesting:

NY Times is reporting that DeSantis is quietly hindering donations to the RNC in Jacksonville.

Nate Monroe has pointed out within the last week that it seems odd that DeSantis isn't on the host committee. You'd think he'd be on there as a figurehead if nothing else.

EDIT: Apparently it's over a personal dispute with Susie Wiles, his former campaign manager. Anyone who has followed Jacksonville politics for that long knows that name all the way back to the 2003 Mayor's race. Wow. Not a lot stuns me. Wow.

What a cluster this is turning out to be.

Uh... what?

Explain Like I'm Five?

Now Mitch McConnell saying RNC convention may not happen.  Who whada guessed  ::)?

https://nypost.com/2020/07/09/mitch-mcconnell-republican-national-convention-may-not-happen/ (https://nypost.com/2020/07/09/mitch-mcconnell-republican-national-convention-may-not-happen/)

Let me add to the useless Cluster and no need to reply ......Can Not Be Understood:

Jacksonville rarely negotiates effectively...... Shipyards, Etc.

Bring this On ..... entrenched politicians, Susie Wiles et al just doing Their Thing

Let's profile a supposed Growing Red Mayor City.....ooops, now deemed JaCago, JEA Sale " investigation" goes nationwide/ worldwide Viral, First Coast Outer Beltway ( " White Flight Blvd") a wreath placed on ....... well, ........around the many necks of 
those obsessed with regional " Promotion ", heaven forbid Regional Growth driven by aversion to Jacksonville " Crime".

Yea!.... let's " Spotlight" ' Jacksonville" and " $100 Million Infusion".

Let's board up San Marco for yet another " Reflective Walk".

"Trump could take the Hollywood approach and use CGI (computer generated imagery) to fill any venue he wants.  If you look at scenes such as the concerts in "A Star is Born", almost the entire "audience" of thousands is CGI.  All this can be done in a studio and the viewing public probably wouldn't know the difference.  Skip the convention and just go this route.  Trump gets his "full house" of adoring "despicables" and we get spared the spread of COVID.  And, everyone saves millions in security and other staging costs."

This is a good idea but lets take it one step further. STAGE IT ON THE MOON!!  He could use CGI and surround himself with imaginary squadrons of Space Force Cadets!  BIGGEST CONVENTION EVER!!! Think General Hux but older, fatter, and more orangy.

 VP Pence visited Epping Forest Saturday evening to talk $$ and the proposed convention in August.

The local TV news covered it.
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/rnc/vice-president-pence-to-speak-to-jacksonville-rnc-host-committee-saturday/77-ef1961a9-94bd-4104-ab37-4ae6a3b5e8b2

https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/duval-county/rnc-jax-vice-president-pence-will-be-jacksonville-deliver-remarks-2020-rnc/3GNHPFME35EVHMNSY5ULZFVZQY/

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/07/11/vice-president-to-deliver-remarks-today-to-jacksonville-rnc-host-committee/

And the newspaper
https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200711/vice-president-pence-in---jacksonville-for-rnc-meeting

So what did Pence say?

Quote from: vicupstate on July 13, 2020, 01:52:48 PM
So what did Pence say?

Unknown. It was a private fundraiser, not a press conference. No public/media events.

Maybe sanmarcomatt was there?

Quote from: sanmarcomatt on July 13, 2020, 04:07:40 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 13, 2020, 03:41:01 PM
Maybe sanmarcomatt was there?

Ha ha ha ha. The RNC has as much of a chance as the DNC of getting a penny from me. Zero.Point.Zero.

But that's not a denial of attending ...  :)

You'd be first in line if they offered complimentary Good Dough doughnuts! 8)

Make Doughnuts Great Again 2020

Nate Monroe says the RNC events are moving outdoors.

Quote from: MusicMan on July 14, 2020, 01:03:21 PM
You'd be first in line if they offered complimentary Good Dough doughnuts! 8)

Make Doughnuts Great Again 2020

He strikes me as more of a Kanye guy #Yeasty2020

Quote from: vicupstate on July 14, 2020, 01:26:55 PM
Nate Monroe says the RNC events are moving outdoors.

Looks like the ballpark is being proposed as the host site.

Can someone share a link to the Nate Monroe piece? I can't find it.

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 14, 2020, 02:09:41 PM
Can someone share a link to the Nate Monroe piece? I can't find it.

It was a tweet but the NYT has reported it

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/elections/biden-vs-trump.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage#link-7d3cb959 (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/us/elections/biden-vs-trump.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage#link-7d3cb959)

Thanks.
What could go wrong? Heat Index > 100?  Thunderstorms?  Ravenous Mosquitos?

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 14, 2020, 02:53:23 PM
Thanks.
What could go wrong? Heat Index > 100?  Thunderstorms?  Ravenous Mosquitos?

I believe Murphy's Law would require that they all happen simultaneously.

Jacksonville is getting attention from the late-night talk shows.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/arts/television/late-night-republican-convention-florida-coronavirus.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20200715&instance_id=20323&nl=the-morning&regi_id=64320713&segment_id=33439&te=1&user_id=0c44450cfeac062dfee4a51ae00d10bd

Quote
California and Florida have two of the country's worst Covid-19 outbreaks and, as Stephen Colbert pointed out on Tuesday's "Late Show," the latter is the site of the Republication National Convention next month. "They'll be fine," he said, "as long as everyone remembers to wear their elephant plague masks."

    "Well, at least they don't have a lot of old people down there. Or at least, thanks to their governor, they won't in about three weeks." — STEPHEN COLBERT

    "As one G.O.P. representative put it, 'Everybody just assumes no one is going.' Yeah, even the R.S.V.P.s say, 'Check one: "Not attending," "What? No!," or "I'm ready, Jesus."'" — STEPHEN COLBERT

    "I don't blame any of these people for not going. Not only is Florida the new epicenter, but in addition, 'Party officials were considering docking cruise ships in the city's port to provide extra lodging.' So, you're in Florida, spending all day in an auditorium full of screaming people who won't wear masks, then you go home to sleep on a floating petri dish. The only way it would be more infectious is if the dinner was an all-you-can-bob lasagna buffet." — STEPHEN COLBERT

    "Yeah, the president is now holding a three-day outdoor event in Florida in August. It will be worth watching just to see Trump lap up glasses of water like a thirsty golden retriever. And poor Mike Pence is going to be sweating like he's sitting through a 'Drag Race' marathon." — JIMMY FALLON

    "Yeah, Trump decided to move the convention outside after meeting with his most trusted advisers, Chuck Woolery and the My Pillow guy." — JIMMY FALLON

We can't ever seem to find a good reason to be on national news.

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/507619-rnc-scales-back-convention-in-jacksonville-due-to-coronavirus (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/507619-rnc-scales-back-convention-in-jacksonville-due-to-coronavirus)

Indoor and outdoor venues. Scaling back the number of visitors.

So moving it out of Charlotte was pointless. What a bunch of fools.

If nothing else, at least Jax will get to claim that it hosted the RNC once. Sure, like the Super Bowl it means basically nothing if it didn't really lead to any long-term improvement but it's a notch on the belt, or something.

Here is the CNN update:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/16/politics/republican-national-convention-planning-florida-coronavirus/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/16/politics/republican-national-convention-planning-florida-coronavirus/index.html)

Looks like Daily's Place, the enclosed practice field and outside tents will be front and center.  It will be like going to summer camp.  They will need to bring their casual wear for the week:  Bathing suit, jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes.  ;D

And now the mayor claims "tens of millions" of dollars raised so far but then defers to RNC host committee for the details.  Still no info shared with the City Council:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article244213867.html (https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article244213867.html)

Daily's Place is better in some ways (solves for rain and no one will get sunburned). But, unlike the stadium at night where there's some breeze, Daily's Place has no breeze. The place is an oven on hot days.

Quote from: Steve on July 16, 2020, 12:48:49 PM
Daily's Place is better in some ways (solves for rain and no one will get sunburned). But, unlike the stadium at night where there's some breeze, Daily's Place has no breeze. The place is an oven on hot days.

At least the heat would kill any Covid virus flying around.

So this will have the economic impact of at least a school field trip.

Quote from: vicupstate on July 16, 2020, 01:13:29 PM

Quote from: Steve on July 16, 2020, 12:48:49 PM
Daily's Place is better in some ways (solves for rain and no one will get sunburned). But, unlike the stadium at night where there's some breeze, Daily's Place has no breeze. The place is an oven on hot days.

At least the heat would kill any Covid virus flying around.

Doesn't seem like the heat has killed much here. It's been hot as hades in town through this pandemic and it hasn't stopped this surge.

Instead of the economic impact of a "Super Bowl-like" event, it looks like it will be less than a normal Florida-Georgia game, or even a good Gator Bowl game.

Quote from: Lunican on July 16, 2020, 03:38:26 PM
So this will have the economic impact of at least a school field trip.

What's the impact of spending millions of dollars of our own money on ourselves?  Does that net to zero?  Outside money will be minimal but we may still be stuck with the "big time" expenses.  In such case, it may have a negative economic impact.  Curry wasn't clear on if it was $100 million positive or negative, was he?  Politicians are artful in leaving back doors to what they promise voters  ;)

Just reported by the NY Times:

QuoteDemocratic officials are instructing members of the House and Senate and party delegates to skip their national convention this summer.

The directive ensures that little will happen at the physical convention site beyond keynote speeches from former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., his vice president nominee and a handful of other top party leaders. The remainder of the event — state delegation meetings, parties and schmoozing, voting on the party platform and Mr. Biden's nomination — will happen virtually or not at all.

Put aside the issue of personal safety or how well this convention should be, the handling of this convention must be infuriating to supporters of the Republican Party because many donors who have already donated money to help run the initial convention are having to be double dipped to help pay for this new convention which itself will be at this point an unknown scaled back version. That money would be better spent not so much on the presidential race but the more influential down-ballot Senate, House, and local races. It's one thing if the Presidency is lost (very telling that there has been radio silence from all the Senators defending seats in tight statewide races on whether they plan to attend), but they desperately need to retake the House and save their Senate majority this year since districts will be redrawn by the party in power based on this year's census results.

And as for the "tens of millions" of dollars raised claim by Mayor Curry, don't be surprised that some of the bigger donations were wheeled and dealed promising all kinds of perks like suites, speaking slots, hobnobbing opportunities and the like which given the current readjustments of the convention's scope can no longer be promised to these big contributors. Since there seems to be little oversight in what has been spent so far by the city there is no way of determining how this money is currently spent this could just be "pledged" convention donations, and not actual liquid funds to offshoot current expenses. Come late August, the RNC may be looking at some Tulsa rally like shortfalls financially from whatever pared-down shindig this turns out to be leaving the city and the state footing most of the bill.

And even though I never attended a full concert at Daily's Place, I couldn't help notice how poor air circulation seemed too be in the seats and isn't it that it's a constant breeze that helps prevent the virus from transmitting to others? Also many of these attendees are not younger energetic more experienced concert-goers more capable of dealing with the heat and I think they would be much safer, COVID concerns and all, being in a more spaced out VyStar Arena.

Summer concerts at Daily's Place are miserable experiences, you are correct, there is no air circulation. We have skipped performers we like because of the lousy summer experience there (well, those we have seen fairly recently ... looking at you Tedeschi-Trucks).
Now, at 25% to 50% capacity (like they will enforce that), there won't be as much "body heat" - but it will still not be pleasant.

I think you are probably right about the "tens of millions" being more pledges than liquid cast. And, technically, $20 million is "tens" of millions, two of them.

Saw a TV news report yesterday that Jacksonville may actually "make money" from the Feds on the RNC. The logic was that $XX million has been allocated, and since the RNC will be smaller, it won't cost Jacksonville as much.  Pretty sure that isn't how it works, that the Federal funds are reimbursements for funds spent by the locals.  I don't think the Feds send suitcases full of cash ahead of time for us to spend however we like.

One of the earliest shows I went to at Daily's Place actually did have some air circulation due to the presence of some pretty strong gusts of wind. Unfortunately this just brought all the dust and dirt in from Lot J which sandblasted everyone in the face for part of the show  :D

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/20/florida-sheriff-gop-convention-security-373089

No worries. Trump will bring his Secret Police, and invite Very Fine Second Amendment people to come.

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 20, 2020, 04:01:54 PM
No worries. Trump will bring his Secret Police, and invite Very Fine Second Amendment people to come.

Put Sheriff Daryll Daniels in charge.

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 20, 2020, 04:01:54 PM
No worries. Trump will bring his Secret Police, and invite Very Fine Second Amendment people to come.

Just in case you have never heard of it...

https://www.secretservice.gov/

Quote from: Papa33 on July 20, 2020, 03:19:15 PM
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/20/florida-sheriff-gop-convention-security-373089

A salient quote from the article:

QuoteWilliams, a Republican, wouldn't definitively say that there is no way the event could be held. But he said he had grave doubts about it, especially in an era of heightened protests concerning police use of force.

Williams said the event, scheduled for Aug. 24-27, was announced in June, giving his agency little time to plan and prepare. The Republican National Committee has not yet nailed down which convention events will be at which venues, making it more challenging. And a pledged $50 million grant has been paired back to $33 million and, Williams said, there are strings attached that make letting contracts too difficult.

Given Williams and Curry have been tied at the hip more than not, Williams must really be worried to say this to the national media.  If COVID scares many Republicans from coming, having inadequate security might scare off much of the rest.  ;D.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 20, 2020, 05:34:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 20, 2020, 04:01:54 PM
No worries. Trump will bring his Secret Police, and invite Very Fine Second Amendment people to come.

Just in case you have never heard of it...

https://www.secretservice.gov/

Actually, I was referring to the Homeland Security military forces that are detaining people in Portland, Oregon
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/20/portland-protests-federal-agents-unmarked-cars-and-walls-moms/5470780002/

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on July 20, 2020, 05:58:33 PM

Quote from: Papa33 on July 20, 2020, 03:19:15 PM
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/20/florida-sheriff-gop-convention-security-373089

A salient quote from the article:

QuoteWilliams, a Republican, wouldn't definitively say that there is no way the event could be held. But he said he had grave doubts about it, especially in an era of heightened protests concerning police use of force.

Williams said the event, scheduled for Aug. 24-27, was announced in June, giving his agency little time to plan and prepare. The Republican National Committee has not yet nailed down which convention events will be at which venues, making it more challenging. And a pledged $50 million grant has been paired back to $33 million and, Williams said, there are strings attached that make letting contracts too difficult.

Given Williams and Curry have been tied at the hip more than not, Williams must really be worried to say this to the national media.  If COVID scares many Republicans from coming, having inadequate security might scare of much of the rest.  ;D.

My first reaction too.

But....I think it may also be Curry's "out". Now he can get to save face with both the locals ("See, we listened to our citizens.") and the national GOP ("I wanted to do it but got shot down by the elected sheriff.")

Quote from: Steve on July 20, 2020, 10:33:51 PM

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on July 20, 2020, 05:58:33 PM

Quote from: Papa33 on July 20, 2020, 03:19:15 PM
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/20/florida-sheriff-gop-convention-security-373089

A salient quote from the article:

QuoteWilliams, a Republican, wouldn't definitively say that there is no way the event could be held. But he said he had grave doubts about it, especially in an era of heightened protests concerning police use of force.

Williams said the event, scheduled for Aug. 24-27, was announced in June, giving his agency little time to plan and prepare. The Republican National Committee has not yet nailed down which convention events will be at which venues, making it more challenging. And a pledged $50 million grant has been paired back to $33 million and, Williams said, there are strings attached that make letting contracts too difficult.

Given Williams and Curry have been tied at the hip more than not, Williams must really be worried to say this to the national media.  If COVID scares many Republicans from coming, having inadequate security might scare off much of the rest.  ;D.

My first reaction too.

But....I think it may also be Curry's "out". Now he can get to save face with both the locals ("See, we listened to our citizens.") and the national GOP ("I wanted to do it but got shot down by the elected sheriff.")

Yeah, Curry may have even had Brian Hughes and/or Tim Baker & Co. write William's script/press release.  But, after JEA, the Landing, COVID, fair weather flip flops on Confederate monuments and HRO, fake pension reform, bogus reformation of the Children's Commission, etc. I think (hope) the voting public is on to this manipulation and maybe it no longer flies.

If all else fails, they could always bring it to St. Johns County. I'm still dealing with people here who don't seem to believe masks work, and were celebrating Winn-Dixie not wanting to implement a mask requirement. That, plus no elected Democrats at all is probably a winning formula.

Winn Dixie will be requiring masks starting Monday

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 20, 2020, 06:34:52 PM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 20, 2020, 05:34:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 20, 2020, 04:01:54 PM
No worries. Trump will bring his Secret Police, and invite Very Fine Second Amendment people to come.

Just in case you have never heard of it...

https://www.secretservice.gov/

Actually, I was referring to the Homeland Security military forces that are detaining people in Portland, Oregon
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/20/portland-protests-federal-agents-unmarked-cars-and-walls-moms/5470780002/

Yeah... "peaceful protesters "... we can expect more of the same when the convention comes to town. I would expect the new courthouse, Federal courthouse, and City hall to be targets of vandalism and riots...

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 21, 2020, 06:54:26 AM
Yeah... "peaceful protesters "... we can expect more of the same when the convention comes to town. I would expect the new courthouse, Federal courthouse, and City hall to be targets of vandalism and riots...

There would have been many more targets of vandalism, but Curry had the foresight to bulldoze them before that could happen.  He's got a long term perspective.

Quote from: Captain Zissou on July 21, 2020, 08:54:30 AM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 21, 2020, 06:54:26 AM
Yeah... "peaceful protesters "... we can expect more of the same when the convention comes to town. I would expect the new courthouse, Federal courthouse, and City hall to be targets of vandalism and riots...

There would have been many more targets of vandalism, but Curry had the foresight to bulldoze them before that could happen.  He's got a long term perspective.

Thanks Z... I didn't want to rub it in...   :D

Maybe Kanye will bring the Birthday Party Convention to town!

I don't get how this hasn't been cancelled already. This is unreal - Sheriff Williams stated multiple times in person and in writing that everything else aside he's out of time. Curry stated yesterday that he's working to get the Sheriff everything he needs.

Unless Curry is hiding Doc Brown and a Delorean in the parking garage under City Hall I'm not sure Curry can honor that statement.

A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 22, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 01:46:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 22, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

I'm sure you'll be just as level headed about this amount of federal force if a Democrat uses it.

Quote from: itsfantastic1 on July 22, 2020, 03:30:17 PM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 01:46:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 22, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

I'm sure you'll be just as level headed about this amount of federal force if a Democrat uses it.

Hmmm.... you mean like Ruby Ridge or Waco?  I don't recall but were those people attacking and burning
Federal courthouses and facilities?  Then of course I support federal force... (non lethal of course...  ;))

^^
So if Federal forces with no id or badges arrest and detain 2nd Amendment protesters under a Biden Administration, we can count on you to say it's not a problem?

The First ever Secretary of DHS (appointed by Bush-43) :

QuoteFormer Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge "had sharp words for his former agency Tuesday, condemning the Trump administration's decision to send federal officers into the streets of Portland to quell protests, saying it was 'counterproductive,' and that it was not the agency's mission to act as domestic law enforcement," the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports.

Said Ridge: "The department was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president's personal militia."

He added: "Had I been governor, even now, I would welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime or lawlessness in the cities. But I would tell you, it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited, unilateral intervention into one of my cities."

The Second DHS Secretary (also appointed by Bush-43): 

QuoteFormer Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff told ABC News that President Trump has taken a "belligerent" tone toward state and local officials, while adding that protecting federal property is not "an unlimited license to roam around the streets."

Chertoff also spoke to Greg Sargent: "In my view, this is damaging to the department. It undermines the credibility of the department's principal mission."

He added: "While it's appropriate for DHS to protect federal property, that is not an excuse to range more widely in a city and to conduct police operations, particularly if local authorities have not requested federal assistance. That's our constitutional system.

Quote from: vicupstate on July 22, 2020, 05:08:17 PM
^^
So if Federal forces with no id or badges arrest and detain 2nd Amendment protesters under a Biden Administration, we can count on you to say it's not a problem?

The First ever Secretary of DHS (appointed by Bush-43) :

QuoteFormer Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge "had sharp words for his former agency Tuesday, condemning the Trump administration's decision to send federal officers into the streets of Portland to quell protests, saying it was 'counterproductive,' and that it was not the agency's mission to act as domestic law enforcement," the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports.

Said Ridge: "The department was established to protect America from the ever-present threat of global terrorism. It was not established to be the president's personal militia."

He added: "Had I been governor, even now, I would welcome the opportunity to work with any federal agency to reduce crime or lawlessness in the cities. But I would tell you, it would be a cold day in hell before I would consent to an uninvited, unilateral intervention into one of my cities."

The Second DHS Secretary (also appointed by Bush-43): 

QuoteFormer Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff told ABC News that President Trump has taken a "belligerent" tone toward state and local officials, while adding that protecting federal property is not "an unlimited license to roam around the streets."

Chertoff also spoke to Greg Sargent: "In my view, this is damaging to the department. It undermines the credibility of the department's principal mission."

He added: "While it's appropriate for DHS to protect federal property, that is not an excuse to range more widely in a city and to conduct police operations, particularly if local authorities have not requested federal assistance. That's our constitutional system.

Undercover operations are fairly routine  correct?  Sounds like at least 3 of you are Ok with vandalizing and burning federal properties. It is apparent that without a federal presence the rioters will force entry and destroy the facilities... In this and every country on earth this will get you arrested and tear gassed...

Let me just add... for the record...I am not a Trump supporter.  I am not a "Trumplican".  I  am a pretty run of the mill old fashioned republican... an admittedly rare creature these days

DHS Acting Secretary says

Quote
"Because we don't have that local support, that local law enforcement support, we are having to go out and proactively arrest individuals," Wolf said during an interview on Fox News. "And we need to do that because we need to hold them accountable."

So the Feds are arresting people who have not committed any crimes as yet

Quote
proactive - acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes (Mirriam Webster)

and why?
"to hold them accountable"
Hold who accountable? From the context, it sounds like the Republican Administration wants to hold the Democratic leadership of these cities accountable.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 01:46:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 22, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

From reports I have read, they are not limiting their efforts to protecting Federal properties (which I believe most everyone would understand and support) but actively going into the streets, confronting protesters, journalists and even bystanders, etc. with excessive force with no or little provocation.

How about the retired Navy veteran who peacefully tried to talk with them and was beaten and had several fingers broken even though he deliberately offered no resistance to such actions?  Too many examples of this.

Add, they are in unmarked vehicles with no ID's and uniforms that don't even identify the agency they work for and that match ones you can buy on the internet?  And, they suddenly jump out of these vehicles and whisk people away wholesale in the same manner a kidnapper would.  If that happened to you, how traumatized would you be?

Sure, there are likely a few vandals in the crowd, but the response should match the threat.  This response has rarely, if ever, been witnessed in this country.  It reminds people of Gestopo tactics, especially as many of these units are ill-prepared-for-civil-unrest paramilitary, not civilian-style, enforcers.

Thus, the outrage.

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 05:34:11 PM
Let me just add... for the record...I am not a Trump supporter.  I am not a "Trumplican".  I  am a pretty run of the mill old fashioned republican... an admittedly rare creature these days

If you are, then the federal government arresting Americans with questionable tactics and shaky legal reasoning in a city that doesn't reflect the current federal government political structure should scare the shit out of you more than damage to buildings.

https://lawandcrime.com/legal-analysis/two-dhs-officials-apparently-just-admitted-their-troops-have-been-violating-the-constitution/ (https://lawandcrime.com/legal-analysis/two-dhs-officials-apparently-just-admitted-their-troops-have-been-violating-the-constitution/)

Potentially bad optics with this move if true. Sticking the RNC protest zone in the middle of a marginalized black residential neighborhood and in the middle of a covid pandemic? With all of our vacant properties and parking lots in downtown, there has to be a better location for this.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/07/22/where-jacksonville-plans-to-contain-rnc-protesters/

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 01:46:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 22, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

I'm not so against Feds assisting but they need to uniformed as law enforcement, abide the 4th amendment and arrests need to be by the book with access to legal representation.

QuoteUndercover operations are fairly routine  correct?  Sounds like at least 3 of you are Ok with vandalizing and burning federal properties. It is apparent that without a federal presence the rioters will force entry and destroy the facilities... In this and every country on earth this will get you arrested and tear gassed...

Undercover is typically for recon and evidence gathering, not the actual arrest and detainment. Let's be honest, these protest were losing steam and the DHS moving in dramatically increased the crowds and unrest. It is all for Trump's commercials to drive a narrative of lawlessness.   

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 05:34:11 PM
Let me just add... for the record...I am not a Trump supporter.  I am not a "Trumplican".  I  am a pretty run of the mill old fashioned republican... an admittedly rare creature these days

Let me guess you voted for Gary Johnson?

Quote from: vicupstate on July 22, 2020, 09:18:43 PM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 05:34:11 PM
Let me just add... for the record...I am not a Trump supporter.  I am not a "Trumplican".  I  am a pretty run of the mill old fashioned republican... an admittedly rare creature these days

Let me guess you voted for Gary Johnson?

Actually no... I considered both major candidates despicable and chronic liars... I wrote myself in for president.  Currently neither major party reflects most of my views on a national level so I will be inclined to do the same again.

Quote from: vicupstate on July 22, 2020, 09:18:11 PM

QuoteUndercover operations are fairly routine  correct?  Sounds like at least 3 of you are Ok with vandalizing and burning federal properties. It is apparent that without a federal presence the rioters will force entry and destroy the facilities... In this and every country on earth this will get you arrested and tear gassed...

Undercover is typically for recon and evidence gathering, not the actual arrest and detainment. Let's be honest, these protest were losing steam and the DHS moving in dramatically increased the crowds and unrest. It is all for Trump's commercials to drive a narrative of lawlessness.   

The "protest" in Portland was not losing steam...

Quote from: JeffreyS on July 22, 2020, 08:28:00 PM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 22, 2020, 01:46:58 PM

Quote from: Charles Hunter on July 22, 2020, 10:46:23 AM
A few squads of Trump's Stormtroopers should keep things calm.  "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

Stormtroopers??  Triggered?  I see Homeland Security protecting federal properties from vandalism and burning... local seem incapable or unwilling to provide the security expected of them...

I'm not so against Feds assisting but they need to uniformed as law enforcement, abide the 4th amendment and arrests need to be by the book with access to legal representation.

The one reputable instance I read about... the person was arrested, read rights, and subsequently released. I've read a lot of hearsay... and breathless hyperbole using terms like "stormtroopers" and such. Stop destroying property and they will go away.

Quote from: thelakelander on July 22, 2020, 07:17:15 PM
Potentially bad optics with this move if true. Sticking the RNC protest zone in the middle of a marginalized black residential neighborhood and in the middle of a covid pandemic? With all of our vacant properties and parking lots in downtown, there has to be a better location for this.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2020/07/22/where-jacksonville-plans-to-contain-rnc-protesters/

Don't worry Lake... they will not be able to contain or control the "protesters"... Perhaps the peaceful group's will comply but the group's who will travel here to "protest" will be at Hemming Park. Too many juicy targets and admittedly not enough cops... err... stormtroopers...

I find the idea of actually directing people from across a covid stricken country to congregate in a vunerable African American residential community to be unaware to what's been going on around the world the last few months. No wonder there's long time distrust in the community. Talk about getting beat upside the head with the short end of the stick. We certainly have enough empty lots and surface parking lots for people to gather without exposing some of our most disenfranchised communities to any type of additional risk. I'm sure an Ortega, Riverside, Springfield or San Marco would be highly upset if they were targeted for this.

Quote from: thelakelander on July 23, 2020, 07:27:29 AM
I find the idea of actually directing people from across a covid stricken country to congregate in a vunerable African American residential community to be unaware to what's been going on around the world the last few months. No wonder there's long time distrust in the community. Talk about getting beat upside the head with the short end of the stick. We certainly have enough empty lots and surface parking lots for people to gather without exposing some of our most disenfranchised communities to any type of additional risk. I'm sure an Ortega, Riverside, Springfield or San Marco would be highly upset if they were targeted for this.

I agree Lake... I guess my point was the idea of containment and applying for permits is laughable...

This... the lies and disinformation coming from the local Portland government are despicable...

http://katu.com/news/local/commissioner-jo-ann-hardesty-claims-officers-starting-fires-police-chief-chuck-lovell-union-president-daryl-turner-want-evidence

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 23, 2020, 07:36:31 AM
I agree Lake... I guess my point was the idea of containment and applying for permits is laughable...

Yeah it is pretty unrealistic.

Having "containment zones" allows the police to arrest protestors who are otherwise peaceful demonstrators, just because they are outside the containment zone.  Vandals and looters are committing crimes wherever they are, so the issue of containment zones is meaningless. The CZs, and permit requirements, are designed to allow arrests of people exercising their 1st Amendment rights if their views are contrary to POTUS and the RNC. Don't think the content of the demonstrations will influence arrests? Let's see how many pro-Trump sign-wavers and demonstrators outside the containment zone, or without a permit, are arrested versus the number of otherwise non-criminal BLM, and other demonstrators are arrested.

A new University of North Florida poll in Duval County finds 58% of residents opposed to holding the Republican convention in Jacksonville while 42% support it.

Quote from: vicupstate on July 23, 2020, 10:21:29 AM

A new University of North Florida poll in Duval County finds 58% of residents opposed to holding the Republican convention in Jacksonville while 42% support it.

It would be interesting to know why...  Cost?  Trump?  Rioting? Covid?

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 23, 2020, 12:25:13 PM

Quote from: vicupstate on July 23, 2020, 10:21:29 AM

A new University of North Florida poll in Duval County finds 58% of residents opposed to holding the Republican convention in Jacksonville while 42% support it.

It would be interesting to know why...  Cost?  Trump?  Rioting? Covid?

If it's the June 28 poll, it seems to be a combination. They asked specifically only about COVID and protests and they both were concerns for many participants.

https://www.unf.edu/uploadedFiles/aa/coas/porl/JaxSpeaks0620.pdf

Quote from: Tacachale on July 23, 2020, 12:35:25 PM

Quote from: BridgeTroll on July 23, 2020, 12:25:13 PM

Quote from: vicupstate on July 23, 2020, 10:21:29 AM

A new University of North Florida poll in Duval County finds 58% of residents opposed to holding the Republican convention in Jacksonville while 42% support it.

It would be interesting to know why...  Cost?  Trump?  Rioting? Covid?

If it's the June 28 poll, it seems to be a combination. They asked specifically only about COVID and protests and they both were concerns for many participants.

https://www.unf.edu/uploadedFiles/aa/coas/porl/JaxSpeaks0620.pdf

Thanks Taca... Good info though the numbers could be different now.  Found this tidbit...

"However, support for non-violent protests and demonstrations in Jacksonville is high, with 82% strongly or somewhat supporting.  That support drops dramatically when asked about violent protests in Jacksonville, with just 17% supporting. "

Hazouri indicating RNC convention issues coming before the City Council tomorrow.  More questions than answers.  Notably, $33 million.  How and when will reimbursement come, if ever?  Council has almost no time to sort out questions and resolve concerns.  Sounds like the rush job the Mayor set up to push the JEA sale.  We know how that turned out.

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/351514-rnc-in-trouble-jacksonville-city-council-president-warns (https://floridapolitics.com/archives/351514-rnc-in-trouble-jacksonville-city-council-president-warns)

No more Convention!

Quote from: BossmanOdum10 on July 23, 2020, 05:31:14 PM
No more Convention!

Yep.  NY Times:  Trump cancels convention in Jacksonville.

Show's over, folks.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/07/23/d626e02e-cd2b-11ea-bc6a-6841b28d9093_story.html

QuoteFacing high numbers of Covid-19 cases in Florida and uncertainty on how to conduct a safe gathering, President Trump announced Thursday that he is canceling the Jacksonville part of the Republican nominating convention.

"It's just not the right time," he said.

Trump had pushed ahead with convention plans despite warning from various quarters, but on Thursday he bowed to the overwhelming obstacles of holding a mass gathering during a pandemic.

I am vindicated!!

Music Man; "no way this is happening" 

"I will admit I was wrong"

"I am vindicated"

Thank you Ron Desantis...

this proves what a liar tRump is. He moved to Jax because Charlotte wanted to protect their people yet his lying excuse is they cancelled for the sake of the health of Florida residents. LIES, LIES, LIES. He knew it would be an anemic crowd due to Corona. If he had said China virus another time I was gonna smash the tv. HE DID NOTHING UNTIL IT WAS OUT OF HAND. Stop blaming China. Sure they did a bad job of warning the world but our strain came out of Europe. Anyone who supports this guy are insane.

NEWSFLASH: Lots of insane people out there.

Fun fact: If this fucking idiot really insists that it was his idea that the convention would not be appropriate at this time why did he describe this bold stand with the enthusiasm of Robert Kraft helping his 20 year old girlfriend rehearse for a supporting role in some shitty Vince Vaughn direct-to-DVD release?

To be honest, the cluelessness to how they were trying to pull this off rest solely to the RNC. Like when the campaign was stating that if we could adequately police for a 70,000 person football game we would have no problem policing this convention like it was the same damn thing.

Dodged a bullet, Jax!

Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on July 23, 2020, 06:55:31 PM
Dodged a bullet, Jax!

Now the question is, did Curry also dodge a bullet?  Or, was he hit between the eyes with it?  What do the locals think of his handling of this convention? 

No doubt, the City spent a lot of time (= money) figuring things out to this point.  Not something we can easily afford with the COVID impacts on the economy, etc.  And, those donor friends who ponied up "tens of millions of dollars," how much of that will they see back?  Would they ever give to a Curry cause again?

Discuss!  8)

Pence was here a week ago, they discussed it, could not afford it, could not afford a paltry audience, so cancelled. It had NOTHING  to do with citizens safety.   

Quote from: MusicMan on July 23, 2020, 07:41:35 PM
Pence was here a week ago, they discussed it, could not afford it, could not afford a paltry audience, so cancelled. It had NOTHING  to do with citizens safety.   

It took the Sheriff and City Council President to come out opposed. The Mayor obviously wasn't willing to do that himself.

Good news for everyone...  :)

I was wrong. It appears Sheriff Williams "we can't keep it safe" pronouncement was the opening for the RNC to pull the plug, and not an invitation for the Trump Secret Troops. Who is going to contradict the city's top cop?  I am very happy to have been wrong.

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on July 23, 2020, 07:24:23 PM

Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on July 23, 2020, 06:55:31 PM
Dodged a bullet, Jax!

Now the question is, did Curry also dodge a bullet?  Or, was he hit between the eyes with it?  What do the locals think of his handling of this convention? 

I think Curry is trying to get out of it. He's not doing any local interviews today, only 2 by national media. He can likely snow the national guys who don't know all of the facts.

I think it's telling that the Sheriff came out against it, then Trump had to say it, now Curry says, "We're glad Trump considered our safety."

To me it was a ridiculous statement - are you telling me you wouldn't stand up for the city you're governing? If Trump wanted to bring all of his folks in and let him take over you'd let him?

Quote from: Lunican on June 26, 2020, 02:10:41 PM
I agree. Seems likely this event won't be happening. We've done nothing right so far and I doubt we'll start now.

We wasted the entire summer dreaming about the RNC instead of getting Covid under control. Now the next big problem is opening schools. Curry is busy tweeting about how it's so important for kids to be in school but he didn't take the steps required to make that happen.

Curry says the "health and safety" of the people of Jacksonville is his number one priority.   Oh really.

Quote from: Lunican on July 24, 2020, 09:35:51 AM

Quote from: Lunican on June 26, 2020, 02:10:41 PM
I agree. Seems likely this event won't be happening. We've done nothing right so far and I doubt we'll start now.

We wasted the entire summer dreaming about the RNC instead of getting Covid under control. Now the next big problem is opening schools. Curry is busy tweeting about how it's so important for kids to be in school but he didn't take the steps required to make that happen.

Didn't a 9 year old in NE Florida just die of Covid?

Sadly, yes - Putnam County
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/health/florida-coronavirus-child-death/index.html

This is very unfortunate. It also underscores how silly it is to push for reopening schools in person ASAP. I still get the feeling that we have no idea of what we're dealing with.

QuoteA 9-year-old girl from Putnam County is the youngest person to have died in Florida from coronavirus complications, according to the state department of health.

The 9-year-old's death is not a travel-related case and the child did not have close contact with anyone who recently tested positive for Covid-19, records show.

Putnam County Health Officer Mary Garcia confirmed the fatality to CNN on Wednesday and said she was unaware of any underlying medical conditions in the girl's case.

Quote from: Lunican on July 24, 2020, 09:35:51 AM

Quote from: Lunican on June 26, 2020, 02:10:41 PM
I agree. Seems likely this event won't be happening. We've done nothing right so far and I doubt we'll start now.

Curry is busy tweeting about how it's so important for kids to be in school but he didn't take the steps required to make that happen.

Don't forget, Curry also promised to fix the maintenance problems in the schools as he worked to block the School Board's referendum to fix them.  He didn't follow through with that either.

Quote from: thelakelander on July 24, 2020, 12:53:08 PM
This is very unfortunate. It also underscores how silly it is to push for reopening schools in person ASAP. I still get the feeling that we have no idea of what we're dealing with.

QuoteA 9-year-old girl from Putnam County is the youngest person to have died in Florida from coronavirus complications, according to the state department of health.

The 9-year-old's death is not a travel-related case and the child did not have close contact with anyone who recently tested positive for Covid-19, records show.

Putnam County Health Officer Mary Garcia confirmed the fatality to CNN on Wednesday and said she was unaware of any underlying medical conditions in the girl's case.

When the numbers get big, statistically rare occurrence become common. Pediatric ICU capacity is very small and some have even been converted to adult. I really hope that opening schools isn't gasoline on this fire.

Quote from: Lunican on July 24, 2020, 04:58:06 PM
When the numbers get big, statistically rare occurrence become common. Pediatric ICU capacity is very small and some have even been converted to adult. I really hope that opening schools isn't gasoline on this fire.

How could it not be?

Curry is batting below the Mendoza line.

It's not fair! Jacksonville does wanted to glow in a Spotlight that would have backfired ; Red Mayor city in fact more reflective of " Blue" cities regards embarrassing " Crime" that has driven " Growth" in surrounding counties, pesky JEA issues....... Jacksonville was due a rebuke to its juvenile attraction to " Growth" and spotlight.
Lucky Pass.

Those "tens of millions" Curry said were raised for the planned Jacksonville RNC convention?  NBC reports it was only $6 million.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-s-convention-cancellation-costing-gop-donors-millions-n1234896 (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/trump-s-convention-cancellation-costing-gop-donors-millions-n1234896)

QuoteOf the $38 million raised by the host committee for the convention's original location — Charlotte, North Carolina — the majority has been spent, the Republican officials said. The host committee in Jacksonville, Florida, where Trump had moved the convention, raised an additional $6 million, but GOP officials said much of that money remains.

Curry on the side of exaggeration again just like he was for the case being made that JEA was going to go down if it wasn't sold ASAP.  Like Trump, he "relies" on sources of information that tell him what he wants to hear without verification that he could easily get if he wanted it.  Then, when the truth comes out, he "plausibly" denies he knew otherwise.  A form of lying?  You decide.

Lol... he's a politician

Quote from: Lunican on July 24, 2020, 04:58:06 PM


When the numbers get big, statistically rare occurrence become common. Pediatric ICU capacity is very small and some have even been converted to adult. I really hope that opening schools isn't gasoline on this fire.

You're arguing that when something gets wet enough it's dry.  Rare is rare.  it's always rare. 

Pediactic ICU is not a thing.  Not in the way you're tossing it around.   

Quote from: bl8jaxnative on July 29, 2020, 10:20:14 AM

Quote from: Lunican on July 24, 2020, 04:58:06 PM


When the numbers get big, statistically rare occurrence become common. Pediatric ICU capacity is very small and some have even been converted to adult. I really hope that opening schools isn't gasoline on this fire.

You're arguing that when something gets wet enough it's dry.  Rare is rare.  it's always rare. 

Pediactic ICU is not a thing.  Not in the way you're tossing it around.

You are trying to physiciansplain the wrong person, chief. Lunican is pretty familiar with pediatric ICUs.

Quote from: bl8jaxnative on July 29, 2020, 10:20:14 AM

Quote from: Lunican on July 24, 2020, 04:58:06 PM


When the numbers get big, statistically rare occurrence become common. Pediatric ICU capacity is very small and some have even been converted to adult. I really hope that opening schools isn't gasoline on this fire.

You're arguing that when something gets wet enough it's dry.  Rare is rare.  it's always rare. 

Pediactic ICU is not a thing.  Not in the way you're tossing it around.   

Not to pile on here, but knock yourself out if you want to debate this with Lunican. I'll get my popcorn.

Trump to accept nomination in Charlotte after all:

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/28/trump-republican-nomination-north-carolina-383950 (https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/28/trump-republican-nomination-north-carolina-383950)

Charlotte and North Carolina stuck to their principals and came out ahead of Jacksonville and Florida who prostituted themselves and were left by the curb just like "ladies of the night."  Are there lessons to be learned here?  I think so.

(https://media1.giphy.com/media/xT1R9QkNgPr062iHx6/giphy.gif)

Good lord. We got played.

Actually, no. We played ourselves. That's even worse.

The lady Chair of the RNC said the problem was Democratic Governors "expanding their powers" was the reason for the cancellation. Seems they were threatening to force citizens from their states who were going to attend be forced into quarantine after returning from hotspot Florida.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/rnc-chairwoman-quarantines-in-democratic-led-states-made-gop-florida-convention-impossible/ar-BB17ksCx?li=BBnbfcL

I do not remember anyone mentioning it at the time. Only how Jax was simply unable to pull it off......lack of security, money, .....plus the Repub Governor here who could not get a handle on the virus outbreak.  Incredible divorce from reality sweeping the GOP.

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on July 24, 2020, 12:18:32 AM
Given today's events, reading how Curry handled the RNC Convention is deja vu of his JEA sale approach:  A hell or high water, transparency-lacking, non-collaborative effort that ultimately crumbles with Curry trying to disassociate himself from the resulting debacle.

Quote from: jaxlongtimer on July 25, 2020, 11:10:23 PM
Curry on the side of exaggeration again just like he was for the case being made that JEA was going to go down if it wasn't sold ASAP.  Like Trump, he "relies" on sources of information that tell him what he wants to hear without verification that he could easily get if he wanted it.  Then, when the truth comes out, he "plausibly" denies he knew otherwise.  A form of lying?  You decide.

Good to know Nate Monroe and I are on the same page!  The below from his column today panning the Curry administration which echoes many of the comments on the Jaxson regarding decades of similar listless leadership in this city leading to its lackluster advancement.

Quote
His disastrous flirtation with the Republican National Convention contained all the touchstones of a Curryian tragedy: Unilateral action, bypassing the chance for community input, unpopularity, and the propping up of the effort with misleading statements that eventually unravel publicly.

https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200729/nate-monroe-has-mayor-given-up-on-job (https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20200729/nate-monroe-has-mayor-given-up-on-job)

If anyone is still wondering whether to put money on Trump accepting the GOP nomination in North Carolina, Florida, D.C., or anywhere else you may want to consider None Of The Above because based on his most recent musings there's more of a chance now that he'd consider the current presidential run a total shit show and bow out of the race.

The economy is tanking, more people are dying or getting sick through his handling of the virus, protests against him continue unabated, no more opportunities for big-time rallies, his campaign is a total mess, the Republican Party is on the verge of collapse, the Senate is no longer doing his bidding and ignoring him more while his beloved Fox News is becoming more and more critical of him, his ass-kissing Veep and two science nerds in his administration are way more popular than him, and he can no longer ignore the dire projections of the polls: All of this will give him the excuse to call the whole thing fixed, save the embarrassment of a historical election defeat, take his ball and go home. 

What stuck out most about the way this president "governs" that I feel is overlooked by many is that besides the prestige of being the leader of the free world there was a lot of fun being the president. Having this pulpit, ripping up trade deals just to create new ones he can boast he authored, meeting and befriending dictatorial strongmen, digging up dirt and humiliating opponents and critics, attending huge fawning rallies, everyone paying attention and reacting to his every tweet, dressing down storied career military leaders, these were the parts of his presidency he seemed to enjoy the most. And with the fun part of the office has mostly vanished this year, don't be surprised if his impulses to save face will weigh more than the possibility of being tarred a quitter on how this selfish asshat goes forward. He and his staff's waffling and sabotage of their own convention could be an indicator what he's leaning towards.   

Quote from: JaxJersey-licious on July 30, 2020, 05:22:40 PM
If anyone is still wondering whether to put money on Trump accepting the GOP nomination in North Carolina, Florida, D.C., or anywhere else you may want to consider None Of The Above because based on his most recent musings there's more of a chance now that he'd consider the current presidential run a total shit show and bow out of the race.

The economy is tanking, more people are dying or getting sick through his handling of the virus, protests against him continue unabated, no more opportunities for big-time rallies, his campaign is a total mess, the Republican Party is on the verge of collapse, the Senate is no longer doing his bidding and ignoring him more while his beloved Fox News is becoming more and more critical of him, his ass-kissing Veep and two science nerds in his administration are way more popular than him, and he can no longer ignore the dire projections of the polls: All of this will give him the excuse to call the whole thing fixed, save the embarrassment of a historical election defeat, take his ball and go home. 

What stuck out most about the way this president "governs" that I feel is overlooked by many is that besides the prestige of being the leader of the free world there was a lot of fun being the president. Having this pulpit, ripping up trade deals just to create new ones he can boast he authored, meeting and befriending dictatorial strongmen, digging up dirt and humiliating opponents and critics, attending huge fawning rallies, everyone paying attention and reacting to his every tweet, dressing down storied career military leaders, these were the parts of his presidency he seemed to enjoy the most. And with the fun part of the office has mostly vanished this year, don't be surprised if his impulses to save face will weigh more than the possibility of being tarred a quitter on how this selfish asshat goes forward. He and his staff's waffling and sabotage of their own convention could be an indicator what he's leaning towards.   

You make some good points, but there's an argument you seem to have missed:

The Presidency is the only thing keeping him out of prison.

As soon as he no longer has the shield of Bill Barr's Justice Department to protect him, he becomes ripe for the taking by New York for state tax crimes, by federal attorneys for other offenses, plus probably some additional lawsuits we haven't heard about. Without the power of the Presidency, there becomes a substantial likelihood that he won't die a free man.

^^^^^ Yeah but it's a good chance he's gong to lose. Maybe he can try to fight it indefinitely but if he didn't want to run anymore I think he'll stay on and pardon a lot of people. He'll do the same with any charges from Congress or the Southern District of New York long enough to have as many of his interests protected by the time the shit hits the fan.

Speaking of things awaiting him once back in the real world, what must this guy's legal bills look like?! Just from his time in office, all the suits, injunctions, appeals; and we all now know how fucking leveraged he is. How many prez memoirs will he have to pretend to write or OANN shows he has to hosts to keep up payments to fight all the other suits coming his way?

I'm sure people like him and Deven Nunes gets some kind of bulk rate/celeb endorsement/free publicity legal fee deal but truth is taxpayers will ultimately be on the hook for all his convention debacles.

^^ A lot of Trump's legal bills thus far have been paid by his campaign or the RNC. No doubt that will continue until he is no longer President.   

In an interesting twist, it turns out that the RNC is technically coming to North Florida after all.

According to (https://twitter.com/jmartnyt/status/1331031605402628097?s=21) a New York Times correspondent, the RNC's winter meeting to choose its next chair will be held on January 6-8 at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. The hotel will also serve as a hub for GOTV efforts in Georgia in the run-up to the runoffs on January 5th. Nate Monroe (https://twitter.com/natemonroetu/status/1331046499992674304?s=21) notes a likely non-existent economic impact on Jacksonville.