Yesterday, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves announced a comprehensive review of the city’s public safety protocols following the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, emphasizing that the city will take a proactive approach to protecting large public gatherings and events.
In an interview following a press conference, Reeves stressed the importance of adapting to new security threats, particularly those involving vehicles as weapons. “We’ve asked our team to put down what we’ve always done,” Reeves said, explaining that the city is conducting a thorough reassessment of its security measures. “What changed was January 1st, and we can make a mistake… if we say, ‘Well, that wasn’t us. That was 200 miles away.'”
The mayor outlined a strategic approach that involves multiple city departments, including police, fire, public works, and parks and recreation. Rather than viewing this as a reaction to insufficient current measures, Reeves characterized it as an essential adaptation to evolving security challenges.
A key aspect of the new security strategy involves interagency cooperation. The city plans to collaborate with the county, sheriff’s office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and potentially the Tourist Development Council (TDC) to develop and fund comprehensive security measures for public events.
The mayor emphasized that public safety incidents affect the entire region, not just the city limits. “If we were to have a public safety incident, does it affect state within the city limits? Of course not. It affects tourism, it affects our county, it affects our region, it affects our community,” Reeves stated.
Technology will play a crucial role in the enhanced security measures. The city recently secured a $75,000 state grant for drone technology, adding to its existing capabilities. The city also maintains a partnership with the sheriff’s office’s Real-Time Crime Center, sharing access to security cameras and resources.
In terms of implementation, Reeves stressed that financial considerations would not be the primary factor in security decisions. “We don’t get to explain that a decision was a financial one when tragedy strikes,” he noted, indicating that the city would first determine necessary security measures before addressing budget concerns.
The mayor’s office has already begun coordinating with the sheriff’s department for increased presence at upcoming events, including Mardi Gras celebrations and various parades. These immediate steps are part of a larger strategy to ensure public safety at community gatherings that attract visitors from throughout the region.
While specific security changes were not disclosed to maintain operational security, Reeves assured that the city is taking a methodical approach to reviewing every aspect of event security, from street layouts to intersection controls. The goal is to develop a comprehensive security framework that can protect residents and visitors while preserving the community celebrations that are central to Pensacola’s identity.