There are a few permitted gatherings and protests planned for downtown Tampa today.
Doctors for America and the Florida Consumer Action Network are both hosting rallies. But there is another group planning an event today at 4:30 p.m. that is creating controversy.
The Westboro Baptist Church from Kansas plans to take to the stage today. They are best known for their protests against gays at soldier funerals.
WBC got a permit to talk for a half-an-hour about what members describe as "Policies of Disobedience."
But before the group members take the stage, they plan to protest in a lot reserved for the media.
According to their website, the WBC says the media is not telling the truth about policies that are in line with God's standards, so they are picketing.
Security guards are on hand at the media lot throughout the week, creating a very secure area.
So far, there have only been two arrests surrounding the RNC, so the vast majority of the protesters are peaceful.
- For a list of more speakers and schedule of events
- You can count on us for complete Florida Decides coverage of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. In addition to live interviews and reports around the clock, we will have a special edition of Political Connections Tuesday - Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. We will also have a wrap up of the speeches each night at 11 p.m.