NAPLES, Fla. -- School officials in Collier County have announced new measures to enhance security at school athletic events.
Effective immediately, people attending Collier County Public School sporting venues will not be allowed to bring in backpacks, cinch bags, and other large bags. Lee County Schools are implementing a similar plan.
"When you have a couple thousand people, you want to make sure the place is safe," said Greg Turchetta, spokesman for the Collier County Public School District. "Working with our law enforcement partners, you look at what are the best options. This was considered to be one of the prudent things to do as a next level of security."
The ban will include coolers and cinch bags, but exceptions will be made for medically necessary items.
Security patrols will also be increased at events.
Last weekend, one person was fatally shot and two others were injured at a shooting at a Jacksonville high school football game. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested for the shootings.
"It's just an ongoing event with all the shootings," said Jason Melton, whose son is a freshman at Gulf Coast High School in northern Collier County. "Any measures they can take to prevent that inside the schools or at sporting events, I think is great."
