Beach Hotels Booked for Republican Convention

The Republican National Convention in August will not just benefit its Tampa host, providing an economic boost in tough times. It also will fill hotels in St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg and Plant City, TBO.com reports.

Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach will be nearly booked full for the Republican National Convention, with 715 of 800 rooms reserved for the political event, according to TBO.com.

Here is a look at the impact, by the numbers, according to TBO.com:

• 50,000 visitors to downtown Tampa;
• 33,517 room nights from Aug. 25-Sept. 1;
• 300 buses to transport hotel guests to and from the convention.

The convention's presence already is having a positive impact on other organizations. Saint Petersblog reports that credit unions and the National Journal partnered to develop a therapeutic playground at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, in honor of the convention.

"Leading up to August’s 2012 Republican National Convention, credit unions will work to convert an existing playground space into a rehabilitative playground featuring specially designed equipment to assist special needs children and those recovering from traumatic injuries through play therapy.”