Manatee County announces metal detectors, bag policy at school sporting events
The School District of Manatee County announced on Friday new security measures at sporting events this year, including metal detectors.
Effective immediately, visitors to local sporting events at Manatee County schools will be subject to “weapons detection systems” and “wanding.” District leaders say the changes are meant to keep guests and athletes safe.
“We have seven traditional high schools in Manatee County and all of them have 15 to 20 sports that they play,” said Michael Barber, the school district’s director of communications. “There are a lot of games and not all of these security measures will always be deployed, but we will be stepping up our safety and security measures.”
Earlier this year, a 13-year-old at Palmetto High School was charged with possessing and discharging a firearm at a school function. According to law enforcement officials, the teenager fired a gun at a spring football game.
The new security measures will allow district and security officials to use special technology that can detect weapons.
“We have a couple metal detectors that are super sophisticated,” Barber said. “They actually identify weapons.”
Speaking with the Bradenton Herald, Barber also explained that the school district also will be re-implementing a clear bag policy that was first put in place in 2019.
“The enhancements are being implemented to ensure the safety of all students and spectators,” a press release said. “Fans heading to district athletic events should arrive early to account for additional time needed to enter the games.”
Guests at school sporting events will need to use a clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches x 12 inches that “may be easily searched,” according to a press release. For example, district leaders suggest using a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Each spectator, including children, is allowed to bring in one clear bag.
In addition to their clear bag, visitors may also bring a small clutch-type bag to carry personal items, such as cell phones and wallets. The district says these handbags must be no larger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches.
This story was originally published August 12, 2022 at 5:08 PM.
