04-11-2006

Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us

TALLAHASSEE - Northwest Florida now has a new layer of defense against invasive pests and diseases, as well as criminal activity and potential acts of terrorism. On Wednesday, April 12, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will hold a grand opening ceremony of the Department’s newest inspection station and the first in the Northwest Florida region.

The agricultural inspection station is located off Interstate 10, just across the Alabama state line near Pensacola . The Department has 23 inspection stations located along the Suwannee and St. Mary Rivers. The newest station is another component in Bronson’s strategy to prevent agricultural pests and diseases from being imported into Florida , and adds another layer of protection in homeland security efforts.

“With its many seaports and airports, Florida is especially vulnerable to the introduction of pests and diseases that could devastate our agricultural and livestock industries,” Bronson said. “This station will enhance our ability to prevent the importation of plant and animal pests, thereby making our food supply more secure. I greatly appreciate the support we have received from the Governor, the Legislature and the Florida Department of Transportation on this critical project.”

Expected to be on hand for the dedication are numerous state representatives and senators who helped secure the funding for the inspection station; top officials from the Florida Department of Transportation, which oversaw the construction of the new facility in this joint venture; officials with the Florida Highway Patrol; dignitaries from the city of Pensacola and Escambia County; and representatives of the state of Alabama.

Law enforcement officers at the inspection stations routinely inspect trucks traveling into and out of Florida looking for anything that could threaten agriculture. However, officers with the Department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement also routinely nab criminals attempting to transport stolen property, illegal drugs and other contraband. In addition to K-9 dog teams, the Department’s state-of-the-art gamma ray machines assist in this effort by scanning a semi-truck in a matter of seconds, giving officers an immediate view of what is located inside, including items that are hidden. Both will be hand at the opening ceremony to demonstrate their capabilities.

“Our Ag Law officers have confiscated millions of dollars worth of cocaine and marijuana, cash, stolen merchandise such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and automobiles,” Bronson said. “They have also intercepted spoiled food destined for restaurants. Often our inspection stations are the first line of defense to catch criminals and prevent drugs and other contraband from being distributed.”

Agricultural Law Enforcement Director Darrell Liford said the Department expects nearly 1 million trucks to pass through the area each year, and has assigned 25 officers to man the station 24 hours a day. This is the first new inspection station the Department has built since the 1960s.