Lawsuit challenges Republican National Convention as nuisance, health risk

Jacksonville, FL — Downtown Jacksonville business owners and residents have filed a lawsuit against the city of Jacksonville to block Republican National Convention events from coming to Jacksonville.

The suit states in part that “the congregation of thousands of people from all over the United States in and around VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida under the circumstances and practices encouraged and required by the Republican National Committee (RNC) ... to be a nuisance injurious to the health, welfare and property rights of Plaintiffs, in particular, and the health and welfare of the community of Jacksonville, Florida.”

LISTEN: Rep. Michael Waltz says all participants will be testing every day before entering VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

The 19-page lawsuit was filed against the City, RNC, President Donald Trump’s campaign as well as the operator of VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, ASM Global Parent.

The lawsuit outlines several health and safety concerns due to the pandemic, calling it “not a political matter.” Many of the business owners say their families have been greatly affected by the virus. A local pastor said he won’t be able to carry out his ministry before, during and after the RNC to make sure his visitors, who are mainly elderly, are safe.

The city told Action News Jax that they have received the lawsuit and their legal team is currently reviewing it.

Cox Media Group