Tropical Storm Isaac could hit Tampa during the Republican National Convention next week

11:20 PM, Aug 22, 2012   |    comments
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It is estimated more than 50 people from East Tennessee, including delegates and guests, will be going to Tampa next week for the Republican National Convention.

However, Mitt Romney won't be the only name heard at the Tampa Bay Times Arena.

Try Isaac, as in Tropical Storm Isaac.

"Well we're flying out and we're also renting a car, just in case so we have a back-up plan," said first-time convention goer Carla Hatfield. "We're bringing extra water, clothes, everything."

Her plans do not sound too farfetched; many of the expected East Tennesseans going to Florida said they're making their plans.

"In case the hurricane comes through Central Florida and threatens Tampa, I think it would be chaotic trying to get out of there," said alternative delegate Susan Richardson-Williams. Richardson-Williams is a panelist on Inside Tennessee.

She said she has plans to come back to the Volunteer State by planning a carpool with other locals. Weaving through the thousands of people could be a challenge, she admitted.

"I think we'll have 150 people in Tennessee going (to Tampa). There are 4,400 delegates and alternates, but 50,000 people are coming to that convention," Richardson-Williams estimated.

However both ladies said they will focus on what's happening inside the convention's walls, not outside.

"There are supposed to be a lot of parties and seeing people in the GOP get together and it's going to be fun," Hatfield said.