MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. – Following recent terror attacks, local law enforcement officials from Miami-Dade County have ramped up security measures to protect the public at upcoming events, particularly the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. The decision to intensify security plans was made after officials noted increased community fears following the tragic incident on New Year’s Day along Bourbon Street, New Orleans, where 14 people lost their lives.
Miami-Dade Sheriff-elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz spoke with WSVN about the need to bolster safety measures as preparations for the Orange Bowl ramp up. "There’s a lot of fears in the community. We want to ease them," she stated. Cordero-Stutz explained how their team had been working on the security strategy for the Orange Bowl well before the suspected threats emerged. "We had a solid plan, but we have revisited it, and based on what has occurred we’ve made changes," she noted.
To make the event as secure as possible, Miami-Dade Police are planning for more officers to be present on game day than initially planned. Cordero-Stutz revealed they would deploy two armed vehicles instead of one and conduct several K-9 sweeps of the stadium before fans take their seats. "Every one of our agencies...have stepped up our game," she emphasized. Cordero-Stutz also assured the community: "We’re not waiting for next week, and we’re going to continue...to make sure everything goes as safely and securely as possible." Multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, are collaborating with local police to keep watch for any potential threats.
Efforts don't stop at the stadium; Miami Beach Police are also increasing their presence. Ahead of the Orange Bowl pep rally on Lincoln Road, police spokesperson Officer Christopher Bess confirmed they are enhancing security and will adapt their plans as the event approaches. Emphasizing vigilance, she said: "We already had a plan and are going to continue to assess it to make sure we have all resources necessary to keep it safe." Drones will also be deployed to monitor crowds from above, supplementing the visibility of SWAT teams at the event.
On the other side of South Florida, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is learning from these incidents to secure its high-profile locations, particularly Mar-a-Lago, which has become increasingly popular during the presidential transition. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw met with local media to discuss heightened security measures following deadly attacks, including one targeting Trump Tower. He noted the importance of analyzing incidents, such as those in New Orleans and Las Vegas, stating, "You got to be aware of what happened...and...is there an on-going threat?" This reflection has led to increased assets at Mar-a-Lago, with additional coordination with the Secret Service, ensuring President-elect Donald Trump remains safe.
At Mar-a-Lago, heavy concrete barriers have been erected to prevent unauthorized vehicle entry. Bradshaw noted proudly, "What I've been told is it'll stop an 18-wheeler, so I'm very comfortable nobody can go through our checkpoints." He added, "That’s why you have the perimeter security. It would be kind of hard for just someone to walk up and plant some type of device there." While the physical barriers prevent vehicle breaches, the sheriff is adamant about remaining proactive. He is considering future adjustments to security layouts to address the new threats posed by the possibility of drones being used by terrorists.
These increasing measures to thwart potential attacks come with cost concerns for local law enforcement agencies, which might require additional funding from the county commissions. Bradshaw conveyed his challenges concerning financial requirements for these necessary security enhancements, stating his intentions to speak with county leaders soon about reimbursement for protection costs.
Local authorities are taking these incidents very seriously. Sheriff Cordero-Stutz urged community members to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. "It’s about the community working together with law enforcement to maintain safety," she said succinctly.
With the specter of terrorism still looming, local authorities are doing everything possible to keep residents and visitors safe during these tense times, reinforcing the sentiment through their proactive measures and visible presence at high-profile events like the Orange Bowl and at notable locations like Mar-a-Lago. The commitment of law enforcement to adjust and heighten security protocols demonstrates their determination to create safer environments and assure the community as they gather to celebrate.