County to 'lock down' government center; commissioners authorize closed-door security meeting

Palm Beach County administrators told commissioners they plan to tighten access at the government center around mid-June in coordination with the sheriff's office, closing side entrances, screening visitors and treating parts of the building as a secured substation. The announcement prompted immediate questions from several commissioners about public notice, staff access and whether the commission had previously authorized such a change.

Deputy security staff described operational steps including earlier opening hours, two entry lines (one for employees and one for residents), screening machines at the front door and limited garage access for constitutional officers and commissioners. Administrator Abruzzo told the board staff had met with the sheriff's office and would meet individually with commissioners to discuss details; commissioners asked for additional briefings and for a closed-door meeting to review security specifics with counsel and the sheriff's office.

Commissioner Flores voiced concern that the commission had not previously authorized the proposed security changes and stressed the public's right to access county facilities. The administration requested and the board authorized a closed-door meeting to discuss private security management and to provide more detail; the administrator proposed holding that meeting by mid-June to align with planned operational changes.

Staff said they would follow up individually with commissioners and provide more complete operational details at the closed-door session.