Fourteen years ago, Tampa found itself at the center of American politics — Tropical Storm Isaac approached as protesters gathered in the streets.
The Republican National Convention opened on Aug. 27, 2012, at what was then known as the Tampa Bay Times Forum, drawing delegates, national media and a massive law enforcement presence downtown. But the storm disrupted the carefully planned opening day. Republicans convened briefly before recessing until the following afternoon.
Outside, hundreds of demonstrators marched through streets transformed by police barricades and security fencing. The storm kept crowds smaller than expected, but the collision of politics, protests and tropical weather produced an extraordinary scene across Tampa.
The anniversary comes as Republicans prepare for another unusual political gathering. On Sept. 9 and 10, the party is scheduled to hold its first national convention devoted to a midterm election in Dallas, an effort to shape the political argument and energize voters ahead of November’s congressional elections.
The event underscores the stakes of a midterm that will determine control of Congress and the direction of the second half of President Donald Trump’s term.
Through 27 photographs from the Tampa Bay Times archives, we look back at the week of politics, protests, security and a threatening storm that put Tampa in the national spotlight.
High winds from Tropical Storm Isaac kicked up waves along the seawall on the Pier approach in downtown St. Petersburg on Aug. 27, 2012.
Kevin Gallagher of New Port Richey loaded a cage of parakeets into a Pasco County transportation van while helping a group of residents return to their homes from the Mike Fasano Hurricane Shelter in Hudson, where they stayed overnight as Tropical Storm Isaac passed the Tampa Bay area to the west.
Then-Gov. Rick Scott updated delegates from Florida and South Carolina about Tropical Storm Isaac on Aug. 27, 2012, at Innisbrook Resort during a delegate breakfast in Tampa.
A couple wearing masks and ponchos began their morning protest at the Republican National Convention. Constant rain from Tropical Storm Isaac flooded some tents with water at the Romneyville camp behind the Army Navy Surplus Market in Tampa.
Jeb Bush rehearsed at the lectern inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum as the 2012 Republican National Convention was in recess due to Tropical Storm Isaac.
Law enforcement officials patrolled an empty Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa on Aug. 27, 2012.
A building at 300 Madison St. was tagged with a protest sign reading “99% say no.”
Singer Beau Davidson rehearsed inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum as the 2012 Republican National Convention remained in recess due to Tropical Storm Isaac.
Mitt and Ann Romney took the stage during the first day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Aug. 28, 2012.
Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin addressed the crowd at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa.
Ann Romney delivered a speech to attendees.
Mitt Romney greeted his wife, Ann, onstage after her speech at the convention.
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, waved to the crowd at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa.
Mitt Romney hugged his wife, Ann, following her speech.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie spoke at the 2012 Republican National Convention.
Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann applauded during the speech of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
From left, Eric Krause, Jason Terry and Chad Vaughntrey shared a laugh during Homocon at the Honey Pot in Ybor City, sponsored by the gay conservative group GOProud.
Anye Cole danced during Homocon at the Honey Pot in Ybor City, sponsored by the gay conservative group GOProud.
Law enforcement cleared the streets in downtown Tampa shortly after the first day of the Republican National Convention.
Country singer Lane Turner performed at the Republican National Convention.
Ron Paul supporters packed up their signs and banners outside the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Rich Cuzzi, left, linked arms with other protesters as they marched toward the Tampa Bay Times Forum to “educate” Westboro Baptist Church protesters during the second day of protests related to the Republican National Convention.
Jane Castor, then Tampa’s chief of police, held a press briefing in a media parking lot outside the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Protester Ryan Lash, left, kissed Vermin Supreme after they marched through downtown Tampa to “educate” Westboro Baptist Church protesters near the Tampa Bay Times Forum.
Law enforcement officers patrolled East Whiting Street near the Tampa Bay Times Forum, where the Republican National Convention was being held.