While Tampa, and specifically the city's downtown, has been the focus of the expected impact of the Republican National Convention, St. Petersburg is preparing for its share of GOP visitors.
Lt. Bill Korinek, in charge of the traffic and marine unit for St. Petersburg police, has been in more than a dozen meetings in anticipation of the Aug. 27-30 convention.
"Things are going to start closing Saturday (Aug. 25)," Korinek said. "For parking restrictions, there'll be signs going up in advance."
The bulk of the impact will surround Tropicana Field, which is hosting the Aug. 26 welcome party.
Streets around the Trop will be locked down while the event is taking place. Parking restrictions also will be firmly in place. Area residents will be able to come and go but Interstate I-75 while detour drivers to I-375 during the weekend of the event. Bayfront Medical Center traffic will be rerouted.
Detailed maps indicate where and when the detours will be in effect.
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus routes also will be altered.
"It’s all about flexibility," said PSTA Public Information Officer Bob Lasher. "We at least can put some detours in ahead of time but at the last minute Secret Service might be changing things, so every body’s going to be in and flexible and ready to change things at a moment’s notice."