"Panama City, Fla.-Area Port, Airport Officials Focus on Security"

Saturday, September 13, 2003

Panama City, Fla.-Area Port, Airport Officials Focus on Security
The Panama City (FL) News Herald


PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- In the grand scheme of homeland security, the Panama
City-Bay County International Airport and the Port of Panama City are just
blips on the radar screen.

But that doesn't mean safety is any less a concern at the two Bay County
facilities.

In fact, safety awareness is a full-time concern, according to officials
from both facilities. It has been that way since the terrorist attacks of
Sept. 11, 2001.

And, the increased security hasn't been met with the added grumbling
expected from people using the facilities.

"People have been real cooperative," said Harry Key, airport police chief.

"It's been pretty much that way from the beginning of the increased
security.

"We increase security as the terror alerts change, but for the most part,
it's been business as usual," he said.

Panama City-Bay County International Airport, like most facilities around
the country, experienced increased security with the federalization of
passenger screeners.

Todd Kelley, acting director of the Transportation Security Administration
at the Panama City airport, referred inquiries about daily operations to
Lauren Stover at TSA in Washington, D.C.

Stover's office, citing the high number of media demands, did not offer
comment other than to say that TSA's role has given the flying public added
security.

Randy Curtis, executive director of Panama City's airport, said security has
become a major focus for airports around the country and Panama City is not
an exception.

"Panama City is currently using ETD (electronic trace detection) equipment
to scan baggage, but will be receiving a CXT machine this fall," Curtis
said.

"The CXT machine is an inline baggage-screening device that will speed up
the baggage screening process for our passengers." Curtis also praised the
effort by TSA screeners.

"The TSA employees at Panama City are doing a very thorough job while
maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor.

"We have heard a lot of positive comments from our passengers regarding the
TSA employees and how they perform their job," Curtis said.

Wayne Stubbs, executive director of the Port of Panama City, said security
has been elevated at the facility, with the most noticeable additions being
fencing and lighting.

"Also, we are working with the new state regulations that require all people
entering and leaving the port to show the proper credentials," Stubbs said.

"For anyone to work at the port, they have to undergo an FBI background
check." The waterside of the port comes under the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Coast Guard, Stubbs said.

"That's their area and they do a good job. Of course, there are other
security measures in place that we don't talk about."


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