Sports

RNC Could Disrupt Robinson-Jefferson Football Game

The law enforcement officials who usually provide security at high school sports in Hillsborough County will be needed to work at the Republican National Convention the week of Aug. 27.

The Republican National Convention could disrupt the high school football schedule in Hillsborough County this August, TBO.com reports.

Several high school games, including Robinson at Jefferson on Aug. 31, may have to be postponed or rescheduled because of concerns over traffic and security. Officials told TBO that so many Tampa Police officers Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies are needed to work at and around the convention in downtown Tampa the week of Aug. 27, there may not be enough to provide security at athletic events.

Other football games in jeopardy include Brandon at Armwood and Blake at Leto, also scheduled for Aug. 31. High school swimming, volleyball, cross country and golf could also be affected.

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"We are working with law enforcement to see if we need to postpone, reschedule or what," Stephen Hegarty, spokesman for the school district, told TBO. "It is quite possible it will be a completely different schedule."

Andrea Davis, a spokesperson for Tampa police, told the news site her department has offered its school resource officers to work athletic events. But that may not be enough — sometimes, up to eight officers are needed at bigger sports events.

Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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