Security cameras slated for Mallory Square and Outer Mole

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

If the idea of installing security cameras in Mallory Square is uncomfortable to those who like to skirt the law, including inhaling their recreation, fear not. A recent contract to install five cameras in and around the popular tourist destination as well as at the Outer Mole pier will be limited to areas used by cruise ships for passenger use.

Key West City Commissioners voted Jan. 15 to accept an $83,484 grant from the state Department of Transportation to install five high-definition cameras in the cruise ship docking areas at Mallory Square and the Outer Mole. Those areas are blocked off to everyone except ship passengers and personnel for security purposes when a cruise ship is docked. However, police will monitor the cameras 24 hours a day even when no ships are in port.

“The enhancements will allow the Key West Police Department to monitor the secure areas of both facilities during the times when cruise ships are docked and when the dock is vacant,” said Doug Bradshaw, the city’s director of port and marine services, in a letter requesting the grant. “The cameras will also allow police to monitor cruise ship passenger transportation vehicle operations, passenger screening activities, identification of unauthorized persons in the secure areas and any other potential security risks both landside and waterside.”

The city will contribute $27,828 towards the camera purchase and installation, bringing the total project cost to $111,312. The cameras are part of the Coast Guard security requirements for cruise ships, said Carolyn Sheldon, senior grants administrator for Key West.

“Both facilities have been cited by the Coast Guard for failing to continuously monitor the restricted areas within the facilities as required by Federal regulations,” Sheldon said.

As part of the beefed-up security measures, the city will continue to provide unarmed security guards to monitor the Mole Pier, Mallory Square, Key West Bight, City Marina at Garrison Bight and the Key West Ferry Terminal. The contract came up for renewal recently and a security firm owned and operated by former Key West Police Chief Donie Lee won approval to begin negotiations with the city to provide the guards. The contract has yet to be finalized but last year the city paid $375,953 for its private security force.

Lee’s security company, Florida Keys Security, was ranked highest among four companies that responded to the city’s request for proposals. The new contract will be for three years with a two-year extension possible.

“In order for the city to meet the Coast Guard security requirements under 33 CFR 105: Maritime Security and its own security plan associated with cruise ships, private unarmed security officers are required in addition to Key West Police officers. At the marinas the city has chosen to hire private unarmed security officers to patrol the properties at night and on weekends when security staff is not present,” said Bradshaw.

City officials had anticipated an increase in the hourly rate for the security guards from the current $18.91 to $21. Lee’s bid offered a $20.50 hourly rate.

Lee joined the city’s police force in 1994 and was police chief from 2008 to December 3, 2018, when he retired. He established the Florida Keys Security corporation in September 2018.

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