Protest area, parade route created for convention | News

TAMPA, Florida (AP) - Tampa officials say protesters will be able to demonstrate one block from the Tampa Bay Times Forum during the Republican National Convention in August.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that the city will create three protest areas within sight and sound of the Times Forum, meeting a legal standard set by court cases over protests in other cities.

The protest areas will be open to all, no reservations required, 24 hours a day during the Aug. 27-30 convention. They will cover a total of 7 acres, which is more than at either national political convention in 2008.

The city also is creating an official parade route, which is 7/10 of a mile long and winds through a less-traveled part of eastern downtown.