BUNNELL, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday morning alerted the public to a heavy law enforcement presence outside the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell over a “suspicious package,” clearing the scene after several hours once a bomb squad confirmed it was just a box of newspapers.
The package was found at the employee entrance to the courthouse, according to a sheriff’s office spokesperson. The courthouse and its parking lot were evacuated as Flagler deputies, Bunnell police and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad responded to the area, the Flagler sheriff’s office said on social media.
Recommended Videos
The package was deemed safe around 10 a.m. and courthouse operations were expected to resume in short order. An investigation showed the box was delivered during the night “in a black garbage bag to the wrong building” on behalf of the Palm Coast Observer, the sheriff’s office said.
“Fortunately, this was a false alarm,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement. “It still shows that our security protocols and training worked perfect in the event this had been proven to be a real danger. I commend our Communications Center, Real Time Crime Center, and everyone involved to ensure the safety of our judges, courthouse staff, and citizens.”
No arrests were made, according to the sheriff’s office.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: