Bradenton welcomes RNC guests from Tampa

Surfers gather on Holmes Beach, near White Avenue, to take advantage of waves churned up by Tropical Storm Isaac. WADE TATANGELO/Bradenton Herald.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/27/4173556/surfs-up-on-anna-maria-island.html#storylink=cpy

The Republican National Convention has taken over Tampa.

And much of St. Petersburg.

It's a big mess of traffic jams and maybe even mayhem courtesy of those pesky anarchists.

But south of that big bridge called the Skyway, which spans Tampa Bay, it's business as usual in the Bradenton area.

(OK, Isaac might have made things a little wet and wacky, but it's quite sane here compared to life north of the Skyway this week.)

So, let me offer some suggestions for visitors to Manatee County.

Read more. 

Photo gallery: Surf's up on Anna Maria Island

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/26/4170790/bradenton-area-welcomes-rnc-guests.html#storylink=cpy

Six Tampa happy hour spots to visit during RNC

Lynyrd Skynyrd opens RNC concert series in Tampa; Kid Rock, Trace Adkins also scheduled to perform

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose original members formed in Jacksonville more than four decades ago, kick off the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Sunday (Aug. 26).

The band will perform as part of the fundraising event Citizens Helping Heroes presents "Southern Tribute IV Honoring America’s Heroes."

The concert, like the rest in the RNC series at Liberty Plaza, 180 S Morgan St., Tampa,  is only open to paid sponsors and their guests.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will also perform inside the convention center on Monday as Ann Romney is introduced to the attendees.

Skynyrd performed at the Republican National Convention in 2000 as well as at various campaign stops for President George W. Bush and again at the RNC in 2004.

Grammy-winning country crooners The Oak Ridge Boys will perform the national anthem on Monday and be attending various other special events during the RNC, according to publicity material. They performed at the Republican National Convention in New Orleans in 1988 and at White House event on numerous occasions.

Known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA,” Lee Greenwood will perform twice on Monday (Aug. 27) at events outside the RNC — one private show for convention guests and one show open to the public both at the Hard Rock Cafe beginning at 9 p. m.

The private Liberty Plaza concert series also includes country singer Trace Adkins (Tuesday) and rock/rap/country party starter Kid Rock (Wednesday).

Randy Travis replaced by Wyclef Jean at Tampa benefit show during RNC 

—Publicity photo of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Randy Travis replaced by Wyclef Jean at Tampa benefit show during RNC

Randy Travis will not perform as planned at the veteran-focused Got Your 6 benefit concert during the Republican National Convention, reports Variety.com.

The disgraced country and gospel singer I wrote about Sunday will be replaced by hip-hop star Wyclef Jean, who first came to fame as the lead rapper and sometimes guitarist of the Fugees.

Willie Nelson and fellow country singer/songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker were originally expected to appear at the event, but canceled due to scheduling issues.

—Photo: Randy Travis exits the Grayson County jail Wednesday Aug. 8, 2012, in Sherman, Texas, after being arraigned on charges of driving while intoxicated and retaliation. (AP Photo/The Herald Democrat, Chris Jennings)

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/09/4151394/travis-911-call-i-want-to-say.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

RNC performer Randy Travis arrested naked, charged with DWI

Randy Travis, who is scheduled perform at a private benefit show during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, has been charged with driving while intoxicated.

The country singer also threatened law officers after crashing his car and was found naked at the scene, the Associated Press reports.

It was the second Texas arrest this year for Travis, who was cited in February for public intoxication.

Travis is scheduled to perform during the RNC at a fundraiser for a non-partisan organization working to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life called Got Your 6 . The fundraiser will be held Aug. 29 at the Dallas Bull.

Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker were originally scheduled to perform at the event.

Photo —This April 18, 2010 file photo shows singer Randy Travis at the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Dan Steinberg, file — AP Photo.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/08/4149413/country-star-randy-travis-accused.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy