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TAMPA &$82121; The proceedings of the RNC are commanding a huge security presence. It's just one of those things you have to plan for, but it's part of the reality of getting inside safely.
Of course, one would expect tight security, but the level and numbers of security personnel is surprising just about everyone.
"There is a strong security perimeter throughout the Tampa area," said WJLA reporter Rebecca Cooper. "But they are trying to get people through as quickly as possible."
There are police officers, sheriff's deputies, state police, national guardsmen, air force, secret service, coast guard layers of security checkpoints. KSL personnel had to stop, open the doors, unlock the doors, pop the hood, let security inspect the trunk at just one of the many checkpoints.
The metal detectors, the bomb sniffing dogs, the concrete barricades, the chain link fences and the virtual absence of protesters.
"You know it's a pain and it's hot and I'm wearing a suit, but their nice about it," said BBC reporter Daniel Nasaw.
And indeed, as long as you cooperate, they try to make it as easy as possible to get in to the convention.
