Security increased at beaches for Memorial Day weekend

Law enforcement agencies to have extra officers on patrol during holiday weekend

Law enforcement agencies have increased the number of officers on patrol for Memorial Day weekend.

AAA estimated 38 million Americans will be traveling, and many will be heading to the beach for the holiday.

Security at Jacksonville Beach has doubled over the weekend since tens of thousands of people are expected to head to the area. They include Lisa Branch and her granddaughter.

“We need that. We knew that, because things get out of control. People come out here from all over and they come out here to party,” Branch said. “Come out, have a good time, but just make sure that you’re smart.”

Jacksonville Beach police told News4Jax they will have extra officers on hand, patrolling by foot and on bicycle. The Atlantic Beach Police Department also said they’ll have an increased number of officers working.

And Neptune Beach Police Department told News4Jax that “no one will have the weekend off.”

A private security company has also been hired to patrol the streets while police patrol the perimeter of the beach.

Jacksonville Beach Police Department Alumni Association will also have a booth specifically designed to register bicycles, in the event they’re stolen. The booth will also have a system in place for parents with little children who may wander away.

The free fingerprinting booth will be located on First Street and First Avenue, right next to the orange barricades.

“They would have everything they need as far as like DNA goes. They will have his fingerprints and stuff like that," beachgoer Richard Sabol said.

Those who don’t plan on flocking to the beach are urged to be cautious on the roads. The National Safety Council estimated this weekend will be one of the deadliest Memorial Day weekends since 2009 now that more travelers are deciding to hit the road.