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At four ports, including Tampa, Guardsmen will help screen baggage and inspect cargo.
©Associated Press
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 7, 2001
MIAMI -- Florida National Guard troops began training exercises Tuesday to increase security at four coastal ports.
Under a series of security measures introduced by Gov. Jeb Bush, 300 troops will be activated to protect the Port of Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Tampa by Friday. An additional 35 troops will help protect Port Canaveral by Nov. 18.
"As Florida and the rest of the nation continues to operate under a heightened state of alertness, the visual presence of National Guard troops at seaports and cruise line terminals will provide a strong deterrent to any potential threats," said Brig. Gen. Jimmy Watson.
About 2,200 troops -- a third of the state's National Guard -- have been activated since hijackers toppled the World Trade Center in New York in September.
Watson said the troops began their training in marine terminal security tactics and will be carrying firearms.
The troops will be deployed through March or April, helping to screen baggage, inspect cargo and increase security levels at storage areas at the ports.
"The cruise ship industry is crucial to South Florida's economy, and that will be the primary focus," said Watson, speaking at a news conference at the Port of Miami. He said they have not received any threats to the ports.
Bush announced plans last week to station troops and state police officers at two of the state's three nuclear power plants and the four cruise ship ports to protect them from terrorists.
Troops and officers will be stationed at the Turkey Point nuclear plant south of Miami and the St. Lucie plant on the central Atlantic coast, which are both owned by Florida Power & Light. The company contacted the governor to request the additional security.
The Crystal River nuclear plant on the north central gulf coast will not receive additional state protection because its owner, Florida Power Inc., believes its security measures are adequate.
Bush said last week that the funding for the additional security will come from a $5-million trust fund the state established for emergencies.