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Commissioners direct staff to develop meeting‑security options after recent threats to public officials
Summary
Following reports of threats to elected officials and federal delegation events, the board directed county staff and the sheriff to develop enhanced security screening options for board meetings and related public events, within state law limits.
Pasco County commissioners instructed staff on Oct. 7 to develop options for enhanced security screening at commission meetings and related public hearings after several recent threats to elected officials and judges.
Commissioner comments referenced recent death threats against members of the legislative delegation and judges. Chair Catherine Starkey and Commissioner Lisa Yeager said the county should be proactive about protecting officials and the public. “I think you do 1 on ones with us first as soon as you get it together,” Starkey said, urging staff to bring back costed options.
County staff and the county attorney cautioned that state law limits firearms restrictions in public places and that any screening program must comply with statutes governing open carry and courthouse access. Eric (county staff) said enhanced screening was in place for that day’s meeting and proposed working with the sheriff’s office to evaluate options. The board directed staff to develop proposals — including single‑entry points, metal‑detector wands or portable screening devices — and to consult with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office about staffing and legal constraints.
Staff will return with a menu of options and estimated costs for the board’s consideration; in the interim the county deployed enhanced screening for the meeting.
