Walton Sheriff Wants Increase Security

**Jim Tucker** · 08-16-2012, 12:07 PM

I heard that this was triggered by the recent railings of one "citizen" of Walton County who is known to possess multiple weapons. Whatever the reason probably a good idea.

:

Walton Sheriff Mike Adkinson would like to increase the security at the South Walton Courthouse Annex. Sheriff Adkinson told the Walton Commissioners that in the times we are living in today, we need more vigilance. Sheriff Adkinson said they want everyone to express their views, they want to do so safe.

The Sheriff pointed out a person who was at commissioner meetings eventually shot five people. He feels they would be much better off with consistency. Adkinson would like a system similar to what is in DeFuniak Springs.

While there is additional bailiffs, a metal detector and a scanner that everyone must go through when entering the main courthouse in DeFuniak Springs, the facility south of the bay has no additional security. Bailiffs are present at court and commission events. The building in south Walton was designed primarily as an administrative building. The plans were to build a second court facility to the west. At the time the first building was constructed, commissioners decided to delay the second. Almost as soon as the building was dedicated, space became tight and what was once a commissioner office was taken out to make more room. The courts also expanded into the building. With a tight budget, there are no immediate plans for the second building.

Sheriff Adkinson explained the courthouse and county seat in DeFuniak Springs has security under the judicial system. When the new courthouse as being planned, a security team involving the judges, clerk’s office and other constitutional officers helped come up with security recommendations. Judge Kelvin Wells and Clerk of Courts Martha Ingle both addressed the commissioners and asked for additional security measures. Both cites recent concerns and a shooting at a facility in Panama City.

Sheriff Adkinson asked the commissioners to speak to the constitutional officers about security. He also feels the budget can take on the additional needs. He said his office is expected to come in under budget and feels this could offset the costs.

Adkinson also wants to search for ways to use volunteers to help with those who might need assistance. One idea is to use golf carts to help disabled get from parking to the facility. The idea was also talked about as a way to help at the courthouse in DeFuniak Springs when the County’s ADA committee was looking at how to meet the needs of people with disabilities at the new courthouse.

Commissioners approved moving forth with the additional security.

**Zebraspots** · 08-16-2012, 02:52 PM

I think it is a good idea to have the same level of security in both locations.

Considering the increase in shootings, it is better to be proactive than reactive.

**festus** · 08-17-2012, 06:11 AM

i believe this is another move by the sheriff to strip our second amendment right as u.s. citizens to bear arms. yes another move by a so called republican sheriff, but in reality a lefty, gun control libreal.

**kurt** · 08-17-2012, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by festus

i believe this is another move by the sheriff to strip our second amendment right as u.s. citizens to bear arms. yes another move by a so called republican sheriff, but in reality a lefty, gun control libreal.

Has our sheriff tried to take away your right to bear arms? Do you feel the need to carry a concealed weapon into a meeting at the county annex? Or were you hoping to enter with a rifle over your shoulder?

I find your post disturbing, but pretty sure it's just a pathetic attempt to make a trite political jab and grind an old axe.

Maybe you'd be kind enough to convince us that you don't want to shoot anyone in particular.

**Andy A** · 08-17-2012, 08:40 AM

I believe I know the individual the initial post is referring to very well and knowing him as I do, I do not believe that is the reason Sheriff Atkinson is asking for the same security at both locations. It is probably a good idea and, festus, no one is trying to take away your 2nd Amendment rights by making sure meetings are as secure as possible.

This is definitely no longer the same nation I grew up in as it is even more violent than it was then. Whether you like to admit it or not, we are the most violent nation in the world. The gun related deaths in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City for one week usually exceed those related deaths in all of Great Britain for a year. Such is life in the United States these days.

**Ken Sloan** · 08-17-2012, 09:52 AM

It is already illegal under Florida law to bring a firearm into a government building--even if you have a concealed weapons permit. Installing metal detectors to enforce existing law does not constitute a change in the law.

**Zebraspots** · 08-17-2012, 11:45 AM

There is a set security protocol for courtrooms that is already in place in our county.
The annex has courtrooms.
Thus, the annex needs to follow the security protocol.

No 2nd amendment issue. (Though I will personally feel safer knowing people had to go through a metal detector. Idiots with guns make us all less safe IMO.)

**beachmouse** · 08-17-2012, 02:46 PM

Back when I was in college, I had an internship that shared a building with a branch court office. Even back during the early 90s, security was extremely hard-ass for that court office because of a previous incident where one of the judges in the county was killed in her chambers by her husband in an awful domestic violence incident.

**James Bentwood** · 08-17-2012, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by festus

i believe this is another move by the sheriff to strip our second amendment right as u.s. citizens to bear arms. yes another move by a so called republican sheriff, but in reality a lefty, gun control libreal.

Too busy cleaning your guns to spell check your lame attempt at insults?

**Bob Wells** · 08-17-2012, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Ken Sloan

It is already illegal under Florida law to bring a firearm into a government building--even if you have a concealed weapons permit. Installing metal detectors to enforce existing law does not constitute a change in the law.

Actually that may not be the case. I am not sure that this article is entirely correct because it seemed that after the legislature passed the concealed weapon law they failed to include themselves in the exclusion and had alarms placed in all the legislators offices. If I can find the article I will post it. Here is one that does allow weapons in government offices.http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/201...gulations-bans

**Beach Runner** · 08-17-2012, 08:48 PM

My brother carries a concealed weapon with him at all times as long as it it legal (not at schools, not at work).
He has had too many scary incidents in ATL.

As have we. For example, someone reared-ended us at a mall parking lot. We got out of the car to check for damage to our car. There was none. The person who hit us yelled, "Check my car." Hubby said, "You hit us, so check your own car." The person who hit us pulled out a gun, and we got the heck out of there.

On the ATL news tonight it appears that it is being considered that some college students may be allowed to carry concealed weapons on campus. Why? Because there have been so many incidents of armed robbery on college campuses. Georgia Tech students are especially vulnerable due to the neighborhood it's in due to all of the aggressive residents from the halfway houses in the area and the homeless people who live under the overpasses on the connector. Also the Home Park area where many students reside is a target for crime. These rehab and homeless people are very intimidating, especially near Emory Midtown after 5 PM. So if I'm driving in that area and they approach my car when I'm stopped at a red light, I run the light if no traffic is approaching from the intersecting street. I'd rather get a ticket than die.

After the home invasion we experienced, we keep a gun in the bedroom and in the car. Even with a security system that automatically calls 911, you could be dead before the police arrive.

That being said, after attending many BCC meetings in Walton County, there are some aggressive people with strong opinions who attend those meetings. I wouldn't want them (or anyone) to be allowed to carry weapons into the meetings.

**festus** · 08-18-2012, 03:22 AM

as soverign citizens to bear arms, its important to note we have a strong voice on the rules committee of the republican party convention in tampa. with the exception of florida and a few states the law allows possession of a side arm as long as it's "not" concealed. the exceptions would be a business or governmental building specifically stating one can not be bring a weapon on the property. if god fearing citizens were armed would we have mass killings like the recent movie theater massacre in colorado. i would say "not. thats why its important to understand the illogical and pollyanna gun control motives of libreal democrats and this sheriff to take away our constitutional rights.

**beachmouse** · 08-18-2012, 09:15 AM

Armed citizens firing blindly would have only made the Colorado theater shooting worse because it's dark, it's chaotic, and an environment where it's hard to identify who the' bad guy' is.

After the Gabrielle Giffords shooting, there was a really excellent interview with a guy who was concealed carrying and at the drug store near the Safeway. He talked about how he felt like his first responsibility was to keep himself in a safe position. His second responsibility was to not make the situation worse. So he took cover in a way that he could get a shot off if the original shooter was in a position that was clear of victims and in a location where he didn't have to worry about a miss hitting bystanders. But that moment never came before the cops showed up.

The concealed carry guy pretty much said that no, it was never going to be like the movies, and that someone who additionally opened fire in a mass shooting situation was probably going to only make it worse and add to the mess and chaos unless everything suddenly got calm enough to get a safe and clear shot off. And, given what he'd seen at the Safeway, that just wasn't going to happen in most mass shooting scenarios.

**Ken Sloan** · 08-18-2012, 02:31 PM

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/...s/0790.06.html

If anyone is interested, the above link will take you to the concealed weapons statute. It is fairly lengthy, but worth reading. There is a lot of misinformation floating around with regard to what the law does, and does not, allow. About halfway down is a list of places where weapons are not allowed even with a permit.

On edit...
Make that most of the way down. Section 837.306.12.a

**Bob Wells** · 08-18-2012, 08:35 PM

So according to what I read, you can carry it in the Capitol just not in session or committee.

**festus** · 08-29-2012, 05:38 AM

As we read the Republican Platform finalized during this week's party convention. Fortunately it's totally opposed to any form of gun control and it defends our second amendment right to bear arms. "Open Carry" is the only way Americans' can adquately defend themselves against these people with the deer in the headligts look. the walking time bomb who poses a threat to our lives and the lives of our families.

**Bob Wells** · 08-29-2012, 11:32 AM

Marion Hammer has already said that the NRA will be floating an open carry bill this session. I am going to practice my quick draw and with eyes like mine I may carry 2. Some folks who know me will get that. ;)

**Independent Thinker** · 08-29-2012, 01:50 PM

Geez festus, you sound a bit paranoid. Do people really want to go back to the wild wild west days ? Are you planning to shoot someone just because they have a "deer in the headlights" look ? If so, you will be shooting 75 percent of the tourist who come here.

**lazin&drinkin** · 08-29-2012, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Independent Thinker

Geez festus, you sound a bit paranoid. Do people really want to go back to the wild wild west days ? Are you planning to shoot someone just because they have a "deer in the headlights" look ? If so, you will be shooting 75 percent of the tourist who come here.

Only 75%? i didn't see mention of a bag limit.

**passin thru** · 08-30-2012, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by festus

As we read the Republican Platform finalized during this week's party convention. Fortunately it's totally opposed to any form of gun control and it defends our second amendment right to bear arms. "Open Carry" is the only way Americans' can adquately defend themselves against these people with the deer in the headligts look. the walking time bomb who poses a threat to our lives and the lives of our families.

Wow. Some folks have been watching too many westerns.

**Independent Thinker** · 08-30-2012, 02:09 PM

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**j p nettles** · 09-03-2012, 03:26 PM

I don't have a problem with increased security but I admit I like to go the the courthouse annex on the few occasions I have to go to the courthouse. After the shooting at the school board meeting in Panama City I can understand how our elected officials might be a little tense. I go to school board meetings but as far as I'm concerned they can pat me down and search my car. I don't even carry a pocket knife to public meetings. I'm pretty outspoken about how some of our elected officials conduct business but I don't want them to feel uncomfortable by my presence at meeting.

**Alicia Leonard** · 09-03-2012, 06:19 PM

It wasn't so long ago that a school board member in Bay County had to whomp some guy in the head with her purse when he came to the meeting, waving a gun around. Another guy had to take him down. It happens, even close to home.

**dkiess3** · 09-10-2012, 04:41 PM

The few courthouses I've been to have always had metal detectors and you were not allowed to carry in a gun or any other type of weapon. I had to remove my pocket knife before entering. Just seems like common sense to not be allowed to carry weapons into a courthouse. Increase security and increase the likelihood of nothing ever happening.

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

My brother carries a concealed weapon with him at all times as long as it it legal (not at schools, not at work).
He has had too many scary incidents in ATL.

As have we. For example, someone reared-ended us at a mall parking lot. We got out of the car to check for damage to our car. There was none. The person who hit us yelled, "Check my car." Hubby said, "You hit us, so check your own car." The person who hit us pulled out a gun, and we got the heck out of there.

On the ATL news tonight it appears that it is being considered that some college students may be allowed to carry concealed weapons on campus. Why? Because there have been so many incidents of armed robbery on college campuses. Georgia Tech students are especially vulnerable due to the neighborhood it's in due to all of the aggressive residents from the halfway houses in the area and the homeless people who live under the overpasses on the connector. Also the Home Park area where many students reside is a target for crime. These rehab and homeless people are very intimidating, especially near Emory Midtown after 5 PM. So if I'm driving in that area and they approach my car when I'm stopped at a red light, I run the light if no traffic is approaching from the intersecting street. I'd rather get a ticket than die.

Not meaning to get off topic here, but I wanted to respond to this. I'm a student at Georgia Tech and live in Home Park; the "nicer" part I suppose and have never even felt in danger of my life. Most of these incidents that happen, seem to occur because of the students' lack of common sense. Like walking in the dark, through the "bad" part of Home Park, alone. They could take a taxi or the shuttle service provided by GT.

Also, I know that homeless people may be "intimidating", but I have to say running red lights to avoid them is over reacting and possibly dangerous to other people. You're in midtown. There's plenty of people around at 5 PM. Just ignore the homeless person and they'll go away.

**Zebraspots** · 09-10-2012, 05:49 PM

Running a red light because you are afraid of homeless people is incredibly dumb and dangerous. Lock your car doors if you are scared.

**Beach Runner** · 09-10-2012, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by Zebraspots

Running a red light because you are afraid of homeless people is incredibly dumb and dangerous. Lock your car doors if you are scared.

My car doors automatically lock. The homeless and halfway-house people bang on your windows if you are stopped at an intersection. Like I said, I run the light if no traffic is approaching from the intersecting street. I wouldn't be stupid enough to run the light if traffic were approaching.

Our daughter is a GT alumna and her husband is a Ph.D. candidate at GT. They don't visit Home Park. They're afraid that their new car will be stolen or broken into. And they drive to CVS even though they could walk there because there are street people at the corner of 6th and Peach who are very intimidating.

After 5 PM on weekdays the street people come out and harass you. Also after a football game starts at GT, they walk down Techwood and drink all of the abandoned alcohol that wasn't allowed into Grant Field. When I go to a game by myself when hubby is out of town, I ask a security guard to take me in his/her golf cart to my car. And give a nice tip.

**Beach Buggys** · 10-26-2012, 09:26 AM

???? what has the sheriff ever done to move anything towards gun control? making sure noone sneaks into a government building with firearms is not gun control, its smart. Unfortunatly the nature of law enforecment tend to upset some people (criminals) taking measures to ensure the safety of officers working there is a good move. I think there are enough guns inside the sheriffs dept. to ensure your safety long enough that you can leave your gun in the car while you go inside.....

Originally Posted by festus

i believe this is another move by the sheriff to strip our second amendment right as u.s. citizens to bear arms. yes another move by a so called republican sheriff, but in reality a lefty, gun control libreal.