TAMPA (FOX 13) -
Downtown Tampa's landscape is morphing to accommodate the thousands of visitors on the way for the Republican National Convention.
Crews are at work constructing 1,500 feet of tent to canopy the Tampa Bay Times Forum and the Convention Center.
"There's still a lot to do, but everything's on schedule," said RNC Press Secretary Kyle Downey.
RNC Committees are making sure every detail is covered, down to tent temperatures.
"There will be a chill tube, where if anyone feels they're overheating, they can go in and get misted with cool water," Downey said Thursday.
Even water sources are secured. 470 hydrants in the downtown area now don protective locking caps that are accessible only to firefighters and the Tampa Water Department.
"It's an extra precaution we're taking, if you will, to secure our most important water supply for more than half a million people in the Tampa Bay area," Tampa Water Director Brad Baird said.
Tampa's own pirates are even preparing for the RNC. Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla moved their ship to an undisclosed location to keep it from being pillaged by protesters.
"It certainly was something we considered when we decided when to move the ship this year," said YMKG's Donald Barnes.
The Bayshore Boulevard icon was moved last week. It is getting its yearly renovations a little early to coincide with the convention.
"Gasparilla has been part of the Tampa community for over 100 years. My job is to make sure it continues for another 100, and one of the biggest icons we have is the ship," Barnes said.
Private venues are also popping up along the downtown corridors. A 30,000 square foot tent is currently under construction at Curtis Hixon Park. It will be the temporary home of a private nightclub for RNC partygoers.
Some downtown parks will be closed to the public during the RNC for private social events. For a complete list, visit http://www.tampagov.net/dept_public_affairs/information_resources/rnc/
