With multiple reports circling that Republicans have settled on Jacksonville as the new destination for Republican National Convention, thousands of people have signed a petition to keep the event out of the River City citing concerns over potential violence.
The petition, 'Keep Republican National Convention out of Jacksonville', urges the Mayor's Office and Jacksonville City Council to re-think the event.
"The damages incurred will take years to recover from... It is a fact this convention will bring with it the largest protests in the history of our country," the petition page says.
The petition goes on to say that even during the recent protests on the First Coast there were small riots, violence and destruction of property that occurred. With nation eyes on Jacksonville, the impacts could be far worse.
"It is a perfect storm for violence and destruction that has no benefit for the residents of Jacksonville."
As of Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., almost 6,000 people have signed.
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has been an advocate for bringing the convention to the First Coast in August, saying the RNC would bring $100 million in economic impact.
Most events would likely be held in the 15,000 seat Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, including President Trump's acceptance of the GOP nomination for president. The arena is smaller than the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, home of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, where the convention was originally scheduled.