Leave your tomatoes at home, if you plan on going to the Republican National Convention. The current list of items banned around the convention zone in Tampa varies from weapons to vegetation to puppet-making materials.
Perhaps most notable, given Tropical Storm Isaac's growing strength, is the ban on umbrellas, “unless provided by the Committee on Arrangements or the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee.†Banning umbrellas is not unheard of at political conventions (the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver also had a ban), but it may prove inconvenient with a forecast of a 90 percent chance of rain during the first three days of the convention.
While those seeking to remain dry will have to bring in their rain ponchos, attendees hoping for a healthy snack may have to rely on concession stands. In addition to a ban on coolers, “whole fruit†is listed on the “do not enter†list.
And anyone looking for a Romney to sign a memento of our national pastime will have to opt for a photo instead, as “baseballs†were singled out as sports memorabilia non grata.
Weapons, and all weapon lookalikes, will be banned within the security limits, although Gov. Rick Scott of Florida rejected a request from Tampa city officials that would have banned carrying concealed weapons outside of the convention site.
While the list does not specifically mention puppets, don't expect to see many of those staples of political protest around the convention site. As The Tampa Bay Times reports, “no sticks, strings or masks allowed, so, no puppets.â€
