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

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.