City Under Attack; Downtown Tampa Will Look Like A War Zone Wednesday

TAMPA, FL — Don't be surprised if downtown Tampa resembles a war zone Wednesday.

U.S. Special Operations Command will host a capabilities demonstration from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.

The simulation is part of the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference and will include more than 175 SOCOM and international service members from 11 nations. The demonstration includes simulated explosions, simulated gunfire and low-flying aircraft. Helicopters, boats, all-terrain vehicles, scuba divers and ground forces will be used to “rescue” a city official from “hostile” forces.

The city of Tampa will present a public proclamation prior to the event on Wednesday.

Spectators may view the demonstration from the roads around the Tampa Convention Center.

Traffic around the Tampa Convention Center will be interrupted from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

South Franklin Street will be blocked at the intersection of Water Street from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The blockage will extend to South Harbour Island Boulevard to the Westin Hotel parking garage. Hotel or local restaurant guests can exit the parking garage south on South Harbour Island Boulevard.

The four water entrances to the Seddon Channel will also be blocked from noon to 2:30 p.m., allowing only demonstration participants, including fast boats and scuba divers.

Tampa Convention Center parking will be extremely limited.