Jim Tucker
Beach Fanatic
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.
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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.
:
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.
