U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fort Myers, and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Miami, are on the stage for the final night of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Mack, who is challenging longtime U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Orlando, for the U.S. Senate, gives the night's first remarks, shortly after the national anthem and invocation.

Rubio gets a more key spot on the national stage, introducing Mitt Romney as soon as the former Massachusetts governor is nominated for president.

The GOP will highlight its optimistic outlook for the country on its closing night, with a "We Believe in America" theme.

"Thursday's program will focus the national spotlight on the many reasons Governor Mitt Romney is uniquely suited to lead us through the challenges our nation faces during this difficult time," Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus stated in a release.

"Millions of Americans know Mitt Romney as a public man who helped build nationally-known businesses like Staples and Sports Authority, balanced the budget in Massachusetts without tax hikes and rescued the scandal-ridden 2002 Winter Olympics."

The Thursday, Aug. 30 schedule

7:30 p.m.

Convention convenes

Call to order

Introduction of Colors

Pledge of Allegiance

National Anthem

Invocation

Remarks by U.S. Rep. Connie Mack

Video

Remarks by Bob White, chairman of Romney for President campaign

Video

Remarks by former Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey

Video

Remarks by Jane Edmonds, former Massachusetts secretary of Workforce

Remarks by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio

Remarks by presidential nominee Mitt Romney

Benediction

Speaker Boehner declares convention adjourned.

Go here to view the schedule for the rest of the convention.



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.