Although Fourth of July security advisories are fairly common, this year's concern is heightened with the growing concern over ISIS carrying out attacks around the world.
And law enforcement in South Florida is ready this holiday weekend. From crowded beaches to fireworks displays to people taking out their boats, any time people congregate in mass that means a security concern for law enforcement agencies across the board here in South Florida.
The U.S. Coast Guard, from the water and from the air, will have its hands full this weekend. In addition to the large number of boaters in the water, the Coast Guard has to keep a close eye on the the entrance ways to the Port of Miami and Port Everglades. They are two of the facilities that drive South Florida's economy and are vital infrastructure that law enforcement and the military are always concerned about.
"At this time we don't have any credible or specific threats to the boating public but we always encourage the public on a busy weekend like this to have a heightened sense of awareness while you are out there.. Take a close look for suspicious activity," said U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Ryan Doss.
The threats made by the Islamic State against the United States have the Department of Homeland Security sharing more information with local police departments, especially on the weekend where tourist and locals combine to celebrate America's birthday in South Florida.
Miami International Airport receives a large number of international flights daily. Homeland Security has already enhanced airport screening and random searches of passengers and carry-on luggage on flights headed into the United States. The airport in Fort Lauderdale has also increased its international traffic, something that means keeping an extra eye on things.
South Florida's FBI office sent NBC 6 a statement saying: "This weekend, as always, the FBI will work around the clock as necessary with our local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention."
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Law enforcement officers say they can't be everywhere and they are really relying on the public's help this weekend to be alert, and if you see anything that doesn't look right, alert a nearby officer or if necessary call 911.
