Report: Jacksonville emerging as finalist for Republican National Convention

Jacksonville, FL — Jacksonville appears to be emerging as a top finalist to host the Republican National Convention in August, according to the Washington Post.

Three Republican officials briefed on the plans told the Washington Post that the party has tentatively settled on Jacksonville as the new destination. Details of the arrangement were still unclear, including hotel availability, transportation and more.

Duval County Republican Party Chair Dean Black told Jacksonville’s Morning News that he believes Jacksonville is the single best place in America to host the RNC Convention in 2020.

Mayor Lenny Curry has said the event could have an economic impact of $100 million.

WOKV checked with downtown hotels this morning by phone and internet and found the Hyatt Riverfront sold out, DoubleTree by Hilton sold out, Omni sold out and all Extended Stay America rooms unavailable for the week of August 24.

The reports have also led to some concern, as a petition has started to try to block the convention in Jacksonville.  "The damages incurred will take years to recover from. It would out weigh any financial benefits that the city could hope for", read a portion of the Change.org petition.

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said last Tuesday that the party still hopes to conduct the convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. But, ‘we have an obligation to our delegates and nominee to begin visiting the multiple cities and states who have reached out in recent days about hosting this historic event to show that America is open for business’.