May 19, 2013

RNC welcome at TIA

While Tropical Storm Isaac made convention planners nervous, the mood was festive inside Tampa International Airport as visitors to Tampa Bay were greeted with live music.

RNC Cassis Party

Bad weather might have halted Monday's convention schedule, but it didn't dampen the mood of convention-goers. Following a kick-off party at Tropicana Field Sunday evening, delegates, media and politicos packed the Cassis American Brasserie in St. Petersburg for the "Full Lid" party.

Republican National Convention volunteer Nancy Gilligan poses with actor Jon Voight, who arrived in Tampa Sunday. Voight, a staunch Republican who supported John McCain in 2008, campaigned for Romney in Pensacola earlier this year. Gilligan, who arrived early for her shift and stayed late because she was having so much fun, says her other celebrity sightings of the day included Newt Gingrich, Haley Barbour, Matt Lauer and Geraldo Rivera.

RNC Gasparilla Krewe

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, hosts of Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, greeted RNC attendees as they arrived at Tampa International Airport this weekend.

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Delegates, Celebrities and other Visitors Arrive for the RNC

Will Short Gorham | 8/27/2012

Bad weather might have halted Monday's convention schedule, but it
didn't dampen the mood of convention-goers.

Click the captions to enlarge the photos.

See Florida Trend's Previous Convention Coverage.

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