Why the RNC Convention Left Many in Tampa Water Logged

Like many engaged business owners, I found myself watching much of the RNC coverage.  Thousands of guests, protesters, and delegates descended on Tampa last week to muster support for their favorite political issue and for the Romney / Ryan ticket.

In addition to the swell of visitors that helped pump millions into the local Tampa Bay economy, our area was also privileged to host a fellow named Hurricane Isaac. Luckily, Isaac did not devastate Tampa Bay like previous storms have. In fact, the impromptu school day that was declared on Monday August 27, 2012 not only resulted in an early holiday for many Tampa Bay students, it also resulted in a day off for the RNC Convention. So while local business owners were happily benefiting from the unexpected increase in patrons that day, many others in our area were dealing with something much worse.

Water damage caused by floods and related weather conditions is a serious issue for Tampa Bay residents. Many local neighborhoods are challenged with low lying areas, poor drainage, and even old structures that have been soaked many times before.  When a storm like hurricane Isaac comes to the Tampa Bay area, all "water damage" breaks loose.

So, on Monday August 27, while students and delegates were shopping and spending, many local residents were frantically slinging sand bags and scooping water out of their homes. One local company, NextGen Restoration, was especially busy on this day. Responding to claims in South Tampa, Carrollwood, and in Pinellas County, this local small business was hard at work, ensuring that residents received water extraction, water damage repair, mold remediation services, and structural drying.

When asked about the timing of the weather and the RNC Convention, NextGen's owner commented "we don't get political, but we have always known that when you get too close to that process, it's inevitable that someone will get soaked..."

With these words of wisdom in mind, I guess it's easy to understand that the weather of last week may not have been a coincidence after all.