The additional layer of security is to protect crowds at outdoor events.
On September 8, Richard Mills, Plant City Chief of Police, brought to the City Commission a proposal to purchase 27 Meridian Portable Vehicle Mitigation Barriers, three hauling trailers, and three manual haulers to place the barriers. The steel barriers are fabricated for use in high-security environments. They are usually set up at intersections or across roadways to protect crowds. “When deployed in a designated area, Meridian barriers prevent vehicle access by absorbing the impact energy and bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop,” PCPD Captain Alfred Van Duyne said. “This effectively disables the vehicle from continuing into the secured zone, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or death.” The way they work is, when a vehicle runs into the vertical portion of the barrier, it tips the base up into the underside of the vehicle. Using a vehicle’s own momentum against it, teeth on the end of the base bite into it and do massive damage that stops it.
“Plant City regularly hosts parades, festivals, and outdoor gatherings that require street closures and barricading,” Van Duyne said. “In recent years, there have been tragic incidents nationwide where vehicles were used as weapons during such events, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Our community’s safety remains a top priority for the Plant City Police Department. We are constantly exploring new ways to enhance our security posture, particularly during large public events. To proactively address this threat, we will acquire Vehicle Mitigation Barriers as part of our vehicle mitigation strategy. These barriers are designed to be deployed at key access points of an event area to prevent unauthorized or potentially dangerous vehicles from entering pedestrian zones. They are designed to prevent intentional intrusions by hostile actors and unintentional entries by drivers who may be lost, distracted, or experiencing a medical emergency. By incorporating these barriers, we aim to create a safer environment for everyone attending events in our community.”
The cost of the barriers is $304,000, which will be paid out of the city’s general fund, then reimbursed through the Department of Homeland Security – Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) because it supports local efforts to address high-priority security gaps by enhancing core capabilities that strengthen terrorism preparedness and overall emergency response. So, the money to protect residents won’t drain Plant City’s funds.
“Our command staff regularly monitors state and federal funding opportunities that can benefit Plant City,” Chief Mills commented. “This grant was identified through the State Homeland Security Grant Program, which provides resources to law enforcement and public safety agencies across Florida to help strengthen community safety and security. By working with FDEM, resources are distributed to communities where they can have the most impact. Their involvement also ensures accountability, compliance with federal standards, and the alignment of local projects with broader statewide security strategies.”
The Meridian system is configured so one person using the hauler can lift the barriers from the trailer and place them. With three trailers carrying nine barriers each, they can be quickly and efficiently set up. “The number of barriers being purchased is based on the amount awarded through the grant,” Van Duyne said. “We will continue to assess and strengthen our security posture for all public events. These barriers will complement our existing safety measures and provide an added layer of protection for securing routes and roadways. The acquisition of these barriers reflects our city leaders’ continued commitment to keeping Plant City a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. It is our responsibility to stay at the forefront of public safety practices, and we remain dedicated to implementing the most effective measures to protect our community.”
