Florida State Inspectors Find Glaring Security Issues at Airpark

Florida State Inspectors Find Glaring Security Issues at Airpark

Access control at the Clearwater Airpark in Florida is getting an overhaul after inspectors found a lack of security at several of the gates.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 14, 2019

Clearwater Airpark in Florida is getting an access control overhaul after a state inspection found major security holes in the perimeter security of the airpark, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

Kimley-Horn Associates Inc. of Tampa did a visual inspection of the airpark's security features including fencing, airpark access points and gates, security cameras, lighting and signage. Kimley-Horn says they also interviewed airpark personnel about procedures and current threats to the airpark.

The major concern that was reported was a surprising lack of security at gates around the perimeter of the airpark. The airpark has several pedestrian access gates, most of which rely on a padlock and key to secure the gate. The park does have electric gates, which require a remote card key to enter, but this technology has not expanded past two entrances.

"We use old-fashioned keys, and the keys haven't been changed in a long time," Ed Chesney, the city's Marine and Aviation director, told Tampa Bay Times. "There are many keys out there that we cannot account for; they're not lost, but given to somebody else."

The padlocks and keys are to be fixed, and a $75,000 funding request as been put together to ask for electronic key card entry and/or Bluetooth smartphone apps for a second layer of security.

Chesney said that even their electronic gates have security vulnerabilities as they take too long to close after a car drives through, allowing for piggybacking. Chesney believes the answer to this problem is to have security guards stand by the gates to check the identification of everyone trying to enter the field. These guards could also require those coming in and out to record their time at the gate.

"We don't have a way to know who comes and goes at night," Chesney said. "Everyone has their pass card, but I think it's a better option to have out security person at the gate sign people in."

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.