Port security a new priority

Officials will pay for stepped-up patrols and a port office for sheriff's personnel.

By AMY HERDY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 17, 2001

TAMPA -- Hillsborough sheriff's officials are completing work on a contract with the Port of Tampa that makes security in that area a priority.

The plan was revealed Tuesday, a day after Sen. Bob Graham, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said the next terrorist attack in this nation could involve a seaport.

Under the plan, the port will pay about $500,000 annually for deputies to regularly patrol the area. Currently, coverage is split between Tampa police and the Sheriff's Office. The area was considered a low priority because so few people live there.

"The port is certainly our main focus now," sheriff's Col. David Gee said.

The changes should take place within a month, Gee said. The port will pay for deputies, patrol cars and the costs of maintaining an office at the port for sheriff's personnel.

Port officials said they have instituted extra security measures since Sept. 11, such as eliminating curbside pickup or delivery and not allowing anyone without a ticket access to the terminal.

Security costs have already jumped from a couple thousand dollars a month to about $70,000 a month since Sept. 11, port spokeswoman Lori Rafter said.

Gee said there is no indication that taking a cruise from the Port of Tampa is unsafe. "(President Bush) said to travel, and there's no reason to believe that something is imminent here," he said.

His comments came after local, state and federal officials held a news conference to assure the public there have been no confirmed reports of harmful substances being transmitted through the mail locally, and that unopened pieces of mail pose no threat.

"You can't get anthrax from a closed envelope. We have that from the Center of Disease Control, and I believe them," U.S. Postal Inspector Diana Torpey said.

Torpey asked the public to put return addresses on mail and seal scented items in plastic before mailing to cut down on suspicions. "We are getting overwhelmed," she said.

Local officials also announced their intention to prosecute hoaxes.

The FBI has had 500 anthrax reports in the last month, said agent Bob Chiaradio. "Besides taking up investigative resources, it whips the public into a frenzy," he said.

Tampa police have made one arrest related to an anthrax hoax.

- Amy Herdy can be reached at (813) 226-3386 or herdy@sptimes.com.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright