D.C. Replicas Welcome RNC Delegates

While resorts around Tampa Bay are putting the finishing touches on signs, paint and even landscaping, one Treasure Island resort is sculpting first impressions in the sand.

"We just wanted to welcome the delegates and everyone with the RNC with a true Florida style and so we used sand, which is the best thing we have going on our beaches," Clyde Smith, general manager said.

The Bilmar Beach Resort commissioned World Champion Sand Sculptors Dan Doubleday and Meredith Corson to create two patriotic sculptures for the RNC. The resort will host two delegations: Connecticut and North Dakota.

The couple spent three days creating a replica of the White House.

"When you do something like this, and have to copy something, it's tedious." Dan Doubleday, with Sanding Ovations, said.

They started the Lincoln Memorial on Friday.

"Faces are tough anyway, and then to do one that looks like somebody dead on. Everybody knows what Lincoln looks like. It's a challenge but we love it," Doubleday said.

Sanding Ovations brought in 40 tons of sand, transformed into sandstone, for both sculptures. They plan to finish up with the Lincoln Memorial in time for the delegates to arrive on Sunday morning.

Clyde Smith says "it just made sense" to have Sanding Ovations create the pieces. Treasure Island was dubbed the Sand Sculpture Capitol of Florida by Former Governor Jeb Bush.

The Bilmar Beach Resort welcomed about 150 people with the delegations from Connecticut and North Dakota on Sunday, which he says is perfect timing.

"Traditionally the week before Labor Day is one of the slowest weeks of the year, this year it's one of our most outstanding weeks," Smith said.