Jacksonville, FL — Local businesses are now scrambling to prepare for the Republican National Convention.
Business at Rojas Pizza is slower than normal these days.
“So bad, we had to close for nearly three months. We’re working on 30% from regular business,” said Rojas Pizza owner Francisco Rojas.
Rojas says he takes it day by day.
“The courthouse has been closed so we lost a lot of business with coronavirus,” Rojas said.
Rojas said he hopes to make up for all the money lost in the COVID-19 shutdown, during the republican national convention.
“It’s great for us, good thing,” said Rojas.
But other business owners nearby fear for both their safety and losing out on money.
“What I hope comes out of this is the proper planning and security measures,” said Angie Nickson.
Angie Nickson and her daughter Natalie run Natalie’s Nook & Candy shop on A Philip Randolph Boulevard.
“Where is the mayor going to set up the safety perimeter,” said Nickson.
Nickson says another concern is the potential security perimeter.
She says it could make it hard for locals and convention-goers to get to local spots.
“With the Florida and Georgia games often times the business owners on or corridor we have to shut down,” Nickson explained.
Jax Chamber President Daniel Davis said they will also play a role in making sure local businesses benefit from the millions of dollars spent in Downtown Jacksonville, but he didn’t tell me exactly what that role will be.