Miami, June 16 (RHC)-- The Republican National Convention has been relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, after Trump pulled the event from North Carolina over Governor Roy Cooper’s refusal to allow for a packed arena during the pandemic. 

Republican Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said they are planning on a full arena, although questions remain over how the city will accommodate the influx of visitors during the RNC.  In 2005, cruise ships were brought in to house visitors when Jacksonville hosted the Super Bowl.

Trump will accept the Republican nomination on August 27, which will be the 60th anniversary of one of darkest days in Jacksonville’s history.  On August 27, 1960, the Ku Klux Klan organized a white mob -- many carrying ax handles -- to attack Black civil rights protesters attempting to desegregate a white-only lunch counter. 

The day became known as Ax Handle Saturday.  Last week, under cover of night, the city quietly removed a Confederate statue from the square where an observance will be held -- one mile away from the convention site.