Florida was once considered a pivotal battleground state, but since 2012, the Republican Party has consistently won the state.

On this episode we look into former Minnesota and WWF Color Commentator Jesse Ventura endorsing the Harris/Walz Presidential ticket. This comes weeks after Hulk Hogan spoke out endorsing President Trump. Ventura and Hogan have been rivals since the two started their respective wrestling careers more than 40 years ago. A look at what this means for wrestling and politics.

On this episode, we document how the Republican National Convention turned into an event where the primary focus of the final night was pro wrestling and UFC. The history between former President Donald Trump and these worlds is so strong that this happened. We also discuss how Going Ringside may have played a role in the speaker selection for the RNC.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, there has been a major push to attract minority voters, along with other groups that often don’t vote Republican.

Eric Trump, the son of former President Donald Trump, spoke to News4JAX at the RNC and recounted the scary moments when his father survived an assassination attempt on Saturday in Pennsylvania.

With a large white bandage on his right ear following the assassination attempt against him, President Trump entered the RNC floor where delegates stood and cheered, many holding up signs or their phones to take photos and video.

As the Republican National Convention opened Monday with a new focus on security following the attempted assassination of former President Trump, Florida Republicans spoke on how the conversations have shifted at this year’s convention.

It almost happened in the summer of 2020 — and, once again, Jacksonville could be the site of the Republican National Convention. Local and national leaders are tiptoeing around the topic, but it seems the River City is under consideration as the host of the event in 2028.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville city officials are seeking reimbursement for more than $150,000 in expenses for law enforcement costs, consulting fees and other funds spent preparing to host the National Republican Convention that never took place in their city. City officials told the Florida Times-Union that they have been assured by the 2020 Jacksonville Host Committee that it will be repaid. Jacksonville had been selected to host Trump and other Republicans in late August after a disagreement over social distancing with North Carolina’s Democratic governor prompted the party to scale back festivities in Charlotte. Jacksonville officials, including Mayor Lenny Curry, had openly sought to host the event. In a report to the Federal Election Commission, the host committee did not show any payments to the city, the Times-Union reported.

Mayor Curry on RNC: ‘President Trump made the right decision'Published: July 24, 2020, 10:40 pmThe disappointing news settling in for supporters of President Trump and those who were excited about the Republican National Convention happening in Jacksonville.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. President Trump announced Thursday evening that the Republican National Convention wont be held in Jacksonville, citing a flare up of COVID-19 cases in Florida. A group of 70 pastors wrote a letter to Mayor Lenny Curry, expressing grave concern over the city hosing the event. The moment Trump announced the RNC would be canceled in Jacksonville was a sigh of relief for activists like Michael Sampson with the March on the RNC Coalition. We dont want more folks who want to inflame and divide people in Jacksonville, Sampson said. The week the RNC was planned would have occurred on Ax Handle Saturday, a date that marks a racially motivated attack in 1960 in Jacksonville.

On Friday the full City Council met to talk about what happened. The council president said the city dodged a bullet. And I think it ended up, like I said, a happy ending for Republicans and Democrats and above all the citizens of Jacksonville, said City Council President Tommy Hazouri. Councilman Garrett Dennis said he wants to make sure in the future the city council would have some say in bringing events like the RNC to Jacksonville. Now the focus for the city council is the city budget and the effect that COVID-19 will have on the bottom line.

The are concerns about protests because, much like the RNC in Jacksonville, no one knows who will be coming and how many will participate. Its an entirely downscaled convention, said Bill Glauber of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who has been covering politics for years. They expected a four day political extravaganza, and now the convention is going to be a fraction of the size. While the number of attendees will be much smaller than the number expected in Jacksonville, security there is still a big issue. Jacksonvilles plan for security will be discussed tomorrow during a special City Council meeting at 10 a.m. Friday.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Many people are worried about the communitys safety with thousands of people expected to descend on the River City for the upcoming Republican National Convention at the end of August. Jacksonvilles City Council plans to hold a workshop tomorrow to try and get answers to those questions. Sheriff Mike Williams said he doesnt have the money, manpower or resources to ensure the citys safety. That prompted City Council President Tommy Hazouri to organize the workshop. I know a number of cities have had that problem.Hazouri said theres too much at stake to not get the plan right.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Legislation proposed to Jacksonville City Council gives the first glimpse into how the city plans to handle protests during the Republican National Convention and where demonstrators will be allowed to congregate. The overlay zone, to include the arena and stadium, would allow special event vendors to conduct business and alcohol to be consumed. The security zone, where staged protests and marches would be allowed, is off A. Philip Randolph Boulevard north of the sports complex. RELATED: Lawsuit against RNC adds sheriff’s concerns | RNC special sectionCookie, who owns the Avenue Grill on A. Philip Randolph right next to the security zone, said she is not worried about what could happen. The convention to nominate President Donald Trump for a second term is scheduled to held Aug. 24-27.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Mayor Lenny Curry said Tuesday he was not surprised that Sheriff Mike Williams warned Monday that the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is not prepared to provide adequate security for the Republican National Convention. Williams was absent from Tuesdays news conference, and the question was posed to Undersheriff Pat Ivey: How many personnel will be needed to provide adequate security? Im pretty sure they can handle security at an event like the RNC in their city, Trump Campaign Communications Director Tim Murtaugh said on CNN. But your security plan is set. For the security plan to be solid, you allot for those changes.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Several Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies are ready to help with security at the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville. Hours after Williams announcement, area law enforcement agencies, including the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, offered to assist. Wells said the Putnam County Sheriffs Office has up to 25 deputies ready to step in, and the deputies are prepared to provide a range of services during the convention. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said it will be providing 40 deputies. The Bradford County Sheriffs Office plans to send six to 10 deputies.

Murtaugh said Jacksonville has a lot of experience with providing security for large-scale events. On Sundays in the fall with the Jacksonville Jaguars, they pack 70,000 people into a football stadium, he said. But your security plan is set. For the security plan to be solid, you allot for those changes. An NFL football game crowd is a lot larger than whats going to be packed into the RNC convention arenas.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sheriff Mike Williams said there’s not enough time, money or officers to keep everyone safe during the Republican National Convention planned for Jacksonville in just five weeks. The convention was moved from Charlotte to Jacksonville last month after North Carolina’s governor told the RNC it would have to comply with social distancing rules. UNCUT: Sheriff Williams shares RNC concerns | READ: Update on RNC securityWilliams said Mayor Lenny Curry was aware of his concern. Only 500 were able to go, Bob Gualtieri, president of the association and Pinellas County Sheriff told Politico over the weekend. Baker and Nassau County sheriffs said they will provide assistance if asked.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The convention to nominate President Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for president is going to happen in Jacksonville next month, but be much smaller than originally planned and take place at both inside and outside venues. “However, adjustments must be made to comply with state and local health guidelines.”Convention planners also acknowledged that some convention events will take place outdoors. It’s not surprising.”In recent days, six Republican U.S. senators have announced they either will not or might not attend the convention. Jacksonville City Council President Tommy Hazouri, who has had many questions about the cost and safety of the convention, did get some answers Wednesday. “Whatever they do, it’s going to directly impact the citizens of Jacksonville and those that will be coming here.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Republican National Convention nears, more than 1,000 names of local businesses appeared Thursday night on the RNC’s website, listed as vendors for the convention. The vendors range from national chains to local mom-and-pop shops. Looking through the list of 1,000 vendors, there are 13 different florists, more than 150 restaurants and a threat detection agency. Last week, nearly 80 local vendors showed their products off in an effort to become a “preferred” vendor for the convention. The Republican National Convention will run from Aug. 24-27 in Jacksonville.

Hughes said the amount has not been finalized, but that its projected to be $30-$40 million in federal grant money. Answer: I believe it will include language that considers the citys appropriation of federal grant dollars for public safety. Answer: The budget for the city will be made to match the funding authorized by the US Dept of Justice via federal grant. The amount is not yet finalized, although a projection is approximately $30 to $40 million in federal grant money. Our expectation is the federal grant will be conveyed and used by the city to handle public safety expenses.

Buddy Carter, R-Georgia, says safety will be the top priority when the Republican National Convention visits Jacksonville in August for President Trumps renomination speech. Carter said the convention is good for both sides of the Florida/Georgia line. Itll be beneficial to us in South Georgia, no question, he said. Hes passionate about health care issues and said hes concerned about the increase in reported COVID-19 cases. The RNC is a short-term, one-time boost, but Carter clearly wants the economy restarted and restored.

The Times cites people familiar with the discussions saying President Trump and Republican officials decided Monday night to move the three nights of the convention to be held in Jacksonville -- including Trumps nomination and acceptance speech -- would be held outdoors. The same sources added that since Trump often shifts his positions, this plan could change. At a news conference Tuesday, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry would not confirm whether reports of moving the RNC outdoors. He said its too early to make any sort of declaration on what will happen with the RNC. Curry was also asked if Jacksonville was selected as one of three federal surge testing sites for COVID-19 because the RNC was coming to Jacksonville next month.

Plans to host the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville are running into some hurdles politically, legally and logistically. One political issue came up this weekend after a visit by Vice President Mike Pence. We had our temperature taken. He added there was social distancing when the vice president spoke and barriers in place. Reports surfaced late last week that the RNC was contemplating moving from inside VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena to outdoor venues. News4Jax Crime and Safety Expert Ken Jefferson said securing an outdoor event would require much more police officers.

Jacksonville, Fla. – Vice President Mike Pence delivered remarks Saturday evening at an event at Epping Forest in San Jose for the Jacksonville host committee for the Republican National Convention. A spokesperson for the RNC host committee said the vice president was at the event to thank the committee for the work being done to plan the convention, especially on short notice. Duval GOP Chairman Dean Black said the vice president thanked the host committee for the hard work they’re doing, and for what they’re about to do. But the host committee has a handle on it and we’re going to make history right here in Jacksonville,” Black said. RELATED: Meet the Jacksonville Host Committee for the Republican National ConventionFlorida Gov.

Ron DeSantis vowed Thursday that the Republican National Convention next month in Jacksonville will be a safe environment, despite widespread concerns about increasing coronavirus cases across Florida. I think it would be a healthy environment, said DeSantis, who lived in nearby Ponte Vedra Beach before becoming governor. The Republican Party of Florida sent News4Jax a statement disputing that claim that reads:First and foremost, Gov. Despite working around the clock, he made sure that Florida was well positioned to host the Republican National Convention. But were very flexible.Republican leaders last month decided to move key parts of the convention from Charlotte, N.C., to Jacksonville after Trump expressed displeasure that North Carolina Gov.

Business owners sue city of Jacksonville, GOP over COVID-19 concerns. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

City Council President Tommy Hazouri has several questions for Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry concerning the Republican National Convention. Among some of the questions, Hazouri asked Curry for a breakdown of the total estimated costs of hosting the RNC, and he asked who will be covering the costs. Hazouri asks if the city will have for front any of the costs, and he wants to know if the city has expended any funds to date to the RNC. Additionally, should the citys mask mandate still be in place, Hazouri wants to know if people attending the RNC will be required to wear masks. Here is a look at the memo from Hazouri:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Local vendors had a chance Thursday to show their products and lobby to participate in the Republican National Convention coming up in Jacksonville in August. Nearly 80 vendors were selected by the Jacksonville RNC Host Committee to present their products Thursday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Im absolutely thrilled to participate in the RNC, said Leslie Cook of Busy Bean Coffee. He was one of the representatives from 77 companies at the Convention Center hoping to be selected as a preferred provider for the upcoming RNC. Members of the host committee rated each vendor and will then make recommendations to those who are planning meetings and events for the RNC.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Officials with the Republican National Convention will conduct daily coronavirus testing for those attending the event in August. Erin Isaac, the spokeswoman for the host committee of the Jacksonville portion of the convention, said in an emailed memo on Monday that “everyone attending the convention within the perimeter will be tested and temperature checked each day.”Isaac didn’t say how the committee will conduct testing. The exact schedule for the Jacksonville portion of the convention hasn’t been publicized yet, but an earlier itinerary shows President Trump will give his acceptance speech at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on August 27, the last day of the convention. The Vystar arena can hold 15,000 people, but it’s possible a limit could be placed on the number people allowed inside. Florida set a record on Saturday for the most new coronavirus cases in a single day for any state during the pandemic, with a total of 11,458, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has been up front about his excitement for the Republican National Convention coming in August, but on Monday his office received another letter arguing against it. A group of more than 70 Black pastors signed the letter. More than a week ago, the mayor’s office received a letter from nearly 200 physicians who signed a letter saying the RNC should be postponed. Pastor Gary Williams spoke with News4Jax about the most recent letter that urges city leaders to “reconsider” hosting the convention. “If I have the flu or if I’m sick, I will not invite someone to my home while I’m sick,” Williams said.

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. As the start of the Republican National Convention grows closer, just 47 days away as of Tuesday, Jacksonville is gearing up for a large number of visitors. Jacksonville-area beaches leaders are preparing for an influx of people there, as well. Its coming at a vulnerable time when coronavirus cases are spiking in the state and some businesses are closed. Its like a mini Super Bowl, said Sonny Bhikha, who runs the Four Points by Sheraton Jacksonville Beach and three other hotels in the area. The three beaches cities are also planning their response to the RNC together in one unified command team.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, Jacksonville Fire And Rescue and other local, state and federal agencies are setting up at the Jacksonville Main Library Downtown during the Republican National Convention in August. The agencies will be using the conference center space over the next few weeks. President Donald Trump is scheduled to accept the Republican nomination the last week of August at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Vice President Mike Pence during a trip to Florida on Thursday said hes excited about the event coming to Jacksonville. He also said there are sophisticated plans to make sure its a safe and healthy environment.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. A board member with Duval County Public Schools said Friday that while leaders are aware of some concern among a group of parents and teachers in the district, its unlikely the start of the 2020-2021 academic year will be postponed. There are a lot of people concerned about the RNC (Republican National Convention) coming and what impact that might have on our community, District 7 board member Lori Hershey said. Hershey said moving the start of the school year would present logistical problems. There are so many options in place for parents if they prefer not to start the school year in the classroom, they have that option, Hershey said. So, think thats part of the reason for currently sticking with that with the date.

Looking at the latest numbers from UF Health and Baptist Health, we see that happening. At Baptist Health on Thursday, there were 99 COVID-19 patients and nine are in intensive care units, an increase of 10% when compared to Wednesday. At UF Health, its a similar story with a 15% increase in patients. There is also concern about the staff at UF Health contracting the virus. UF Health said Thursday that there are possibly two employees that were positive for the virus and that it was contracted on the outside of the hospital and not inside.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There is opposition against the Republican National Convention coming to Jacksonville in two months. Nearly 200 physicians, who are mostly from northeast Florida, wrote a letter to Mayor Lenny Curry and City Council requesting masks and social distancing at the RNC in August. The letter said it’s estimated more than 40,000 people from all over the country will attend the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. The nearly 200 physicians who signed the letter said the Republican National Convention should be postponed. Once we do receive a copy of this letter, we will give it consideration as we do any communication that we receive.”

The Jacksonville 2020 Host Committee announced the 32 people who are leading the efforts to host the Republican National Convention. However, one committee member who was printed on the flyer said he never agreed to participate. I did not consent to being on that welcoming committee, said McLaughlin. But not to be on the welcoming committee, said McLaughlin. News4Jax reached out to McLaughlin for a one-on-one interview and the RNC committee as well, regarding the matter.

President Trump will accept Republican Party’s nomination for 2nd term in Jacksonville. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

Many concerned about how Jacksonville will handle the RNCPublished: June 11, 2020, 11:35 pmJacksonville announced to host RNC, but it also has experience holding other large events.

Are we big enough, bold enough to host the RNC? Curry says in the video. The River City became the smallest city ever to host a Super Bowl. But you dont have to travel back 15 years to see other large events hosted in Northeast Florida. The four day event brings in an estimate $151 million for Northeast Florida, raising a record $9.25 million in 2019 for charity. Organizers say the game provides nearly $16 million to Northeast Florida, with more than $500,000 donated to local charities.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Mayor of Jacksonville Lenny Curry is banking on continued progress in the coronavirus pandemic to help keep residents safe from the spread of COVID-19 during the Republican National Convention in August. During an announcement on the RNC decision Friday morning, the Mayor said COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. Inside of 10 to 12 weeks that all changed, so if we continue on this trajectory, were going to be ready to go. Florida Governor Ron DeSanits expressed similar views and noted the number of resources that will be made available to the city. As of Friday, the CDC still had an advisory for large events on its website, which was posted in mid-March.

Curry said the impact could be upwards of $100 million for the local economy. It depends on where they are going to put us, said Mike Daniels, owner of the PV Shack food truck. If you love Jacksonville, its going to be nice.But for some, the convention plans highlight fears because of the timing. Nixon said shes frustrated Curry didnt speak to small business owners and area residents before lobbying to bring the convention to Jacksonville. We should be a stakeholder at the table having those conversations.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – More than 5,000 people are trying to end the idea of the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville before it ever officially starts. Rumors have been circulating since Mayor of Jacksonville Lenny Curry volunteered Jax as the host city before the President had even pulled the RNC out of Charlotte, North Carolina. We would be honored to host the Republican National Convention in that same world class facility. Then, an overnight report from The Washington Post Wednesday showed three Republicans confirmed to the paper that it was almost official: The RNC is coming to Jacksonville. A description of the petition reads, “The use of city of Jacksonville for the Republican National Convention must be prevented.

Jacksonville is the front-runner to host some or all of the Republican National Convention, a committee chairwoman said Wednesday. St. Johns has about 6,300 hotel rooms countywide. Former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney has insight from helping organize the Super Bowl in 2005 when a surplus of visitors came to the city. “Super Bowl is 100-120,000 people, and the convention maybe half of that, so there should be enough hotel rooms, again, depending on what kind of outpouring comes out,” Delaney said. Ron DeSantis has previously said that Orlando and Miami could be ideal locations because of the number of hotel rooms.

“We are going to keep our convention of, the business of the convention in Charlotte. Jacksonville GOP Chairman Dean Black was every optimistic the convention with thousands of delegates, media and support staff might come here. Mayor Len Curry is a former chairperson of the state Republican Party, and the area is the home base of GOP Gov. The Party’s party could generate at least $100 million in revenues for the host city, perhaps more. The RNC said it expects about 20,000 people for the convention, and the head of Visit Jacksonville believes the city could handle the crowds.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Its expected the world will find out on Tuesday if Jacksonville will host all or part of the Republican National Convention. Republican leaders were meeting Monday and will make a final decision on the convention that was slated for August in Charlotte. As reported last week, Jacksonville is on the shortlist and several sources told News4Jax that Jacksonville is at the top. It would be a first, a political convention held in different cities. For some, like a group of Jacksonville pastors who discussed the recent protests in Jacksonville during a Monday press conference, the fact that moving the RNC to Jacksonville has been discussed and not made public is bothersome to them.

On Thursday, News4Jax asked Mayor Lenny Curry whether Jacksonville could afford to host the convention given the cost of extra security and health precautions that the city would have to take to make sure its safe. Sheriff Mike Williams added: I will tell you that this is not just a JSO (Jacksonville Sheriffs Office) event. As far as the pandemic, Curry has been pushing for safe practices. But some are asking whether inviting the convention to Jacksonville would be a step backward. There are no certainties, but weve demonstrated the ability in the city over a number of years to host events and moving forward responsibly," the mayor said.

Trump and the RNC had demanded that the August convention be allowed to move forward with a full crowd and that participants not have to wear face coverings. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.A traditional GOP convention brings together roughly 2,500 delegates, the same number of alternate delegates and many times more guests, journalists and security personnel. They agreed to continue talking about ways to have a safe convention in Charlotte.But Cooper made clear to Trump that those conditions would likely be impossible to accommodate. The RNC's leader, Ronna McDaniel accused Cooper of dragging his feet on giving them guidance for proceeding with convention plans. Tennessee's Bill Lee said GOP officials were coming to scout Nashville on Thursday.

And on top of those same health concerns, some Jacksonville political leaders said drawing the attention of more protesters would be unwise. I think it makes it a powder keg for Jacksonville, said Daniel Henry, chair of Duval County Democratic Party. A traditional GOP convention brings together roughly 2,500 delegates, the same number of alternate delegates and many times more guests, journalists and security personnel. They agreed to continue talking about ways to have a safe convention in Charlotte.But Cooper made clear to Trump that those conditions would likely be impossible to accommodate. We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and its unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe, Cooper tweeted in response to Trump's announcement.

North Carolina faces an upward trend in its virus cases, with Mecklenburg County -- including Charlotte -- having more cases and deaths than any other county. Im hopeful, but thats a heavy lift.RELATED: Could Jacksonville play host to 2020 Republican National Convention? Dean Black, chairman do of the Republican Party of Duval County, is wildly supportive of the idea. This is an economic shot in the arm that we desperately need in North Carolina, he said. Associated Press writers Jonathan Drew in Durham, North Carolina, and Tom Foreman Jr. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen sent a letter Monday to the top RNC organizer asking for a written safety plan after Trump demanded in a tweet that North Carolina guarantee a full-scale, in-person convention will be held. Cooper and Cohen say that they had discussed various scenarios with convention organizers but want their plan in writing. Were ready to hold the RNC convention in North Carolina in a safe way. Cooper said his administration required a similar written plan from NASCAR ahead of its recent race in the Charlotte area that was held without fans. The county surrounding Charlotte has had the most virus cases of any in North Carolina, and the state is experiencing an upward trend in cases.