BUNNELL, FL—A security scare at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center was resolved when a suspicious package, initially causing alarm, turned out to be newspapers. The package, discovered during a morning security check and seen on security footage delivered overnight, prompted an evacuation of the courthouse and surrounding areas.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) established a Mobile Command Center to assess the situation, and assistance was sought from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad. Investigation revealed that the package, a box of newspapers from the Palm Coast Observer in a black garbage bag, had been mistakenly delivered to the wrong building. The bomb squad’s examination confirmed the package’s innocuous contents, allowing courthouse operations to resume.
Sheriff Rick Staly highlighted the incident as a testament to the effectiveness of security measures in place. He praised the coordinated response that ensured the safety of courthouse personnel and the public, underscoring the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maintaining security.