After a late Friday night and working at the store we were awakened by the helicopters above our house at 7AM.  Today is the official street closure in downtown Tampa. We live close to the area so we get the Apache helicopter noise. On our way in we noticed around the Univ of Tampa and heading over the river to downtown that there were small groups of 8-10 police on each of the corners and on all 9 Tampa bridges. I said that it looks like ‘police sand stormers’ taking over Tampa. That isn’t very far from the truth. Police are very present and the RNC is beginning its party in Tampa. We noticed a lot of  patrols of 20-30 officers on bicycles and the ATV police mules are roaming the waterfront with Coast Guard armed boats securing the waterfront. All the cruises out of Tampa have been canceled this week. So none of the 3 major cruise ships are allowed at Channelside this week!

    The Ybor restaurants and clubs were pretty empty last night. Either scared of the security in place or for Hurricane Isaac. But the mood is slowly optimistic. The press is covering Ybor City at all possible angles. Sarasota Herald Newspaper did a story with Mark at our MC FILM store. Story is out Sunday!

    The direction of the big party disappointer hurricane storm isn’t known yet! Hurricane Andrew was 20 years ago to the day of its destructive passing over South Florida. We know of hundreds of friends that have left Tampa during the RNC to just get away. Our Gov Scott has put Florida hurricane preparedness efforts at a priority. And speaking of hot issues… Miss Joey Brooks was on the patio of Hamburger Mary’s waving at the 30 riding police bicyclists. One officer yelled to the group, ” Look up guys it is Ybor’s Mama Guava.” Joey was not impressed.

    We await the visiting crowds, that so far haven’t come to Ybor City… And further excitement.