Security tight at convention center

Carry your IDs and badges; port considered a high-risk location

Attendees at the NAHJ convention should be prepared to put on convention badges, show government-issued identification and answer security questions.

These procedures, not seen at any previous NAHJ convention, are a result of perceived post-Sept. 11 threats in what is considered a high-risk location.

“This is one of the few convention centers in the country that has people show an ID,” said Ellen Kennedy, manager of Port Everglades corporate and community relations.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, located within Port Everglades, has increased security as a result of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, enacted to protect all 361 major U.S. seaports against terrorist attacks.

There is “definitely a difference in security from before 9/11 to today,” Kennedy said.

Many first-time visitors to the convention center are not expecting the high level of security.

“It was a surprise,” said George Rede, director of recruiting and training for The Oregonian. “I haven’t been asked (to show identification) in years.”

Camilo Mejia, a guest speaker at the convention, said, “The level of security was huge … it’s a police state.”

Today, Port Everglades’ 2,190 acres and 4,500 parking spaces are fenced off, monitored by 200 closed-circuit TV cameras with special night optics, have multiple checkpoints and an undisclosed number of county sheriff’s personnel.

The security measures are controlled from an operations center, which port security manager Bruce Williams calls “the nucleus of our entire operation.”

Convention participant Ray Bradbury said he thinks the extra security is good. His concern is for those who did not bring government-issued identification.

“This is an international event,” he said. “I don’t think NAHJ made an effort to tell people” about the need to bring ID.

Keith VanDreason, 36, owner of a food store inside the convention center for 11 years, said workers like him have special identification they must show to enter the building. “It is a minor inconvenience, but it’s not too much of a hassle,” said VanDreason. “It’s understandable.”

Before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, security was not as strict, said Aaron Ellis, communications director for the American Association of Port Authorities. “The greatest threat to ports was theft.”

There used to be “drive-through traffic,” said Kennedy, noting that people would cut through Port Everglades to get to the beach or line up to take tours of docked ships and glimpse Navy vessels up close.

Contact Ruben Carrete at rcarrete@stmarytx.edu.