Latest news with #A.J.Smith
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Barnacle device clamps down on illegal parking in Franklin County
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Drivers might see something bigger than a parking ticket on their windshield. It's called 'The Barnacle,' and it saves sheriff's deputies the time of writing parking citations. 'The deputy rides through, or they get a complaint about an illegally parked car, they'll just pull the barnacle out of the back of their truck, put it on the windshield, drive away,' Sheriff A.J. Smith said. Smith says parking tickets haven't been effective in stopping drivers from illegally parking, especially at the Alligator Point beach access. There are only 45 parking spots, and during spring break and peak season, they fill up fast. Many people park illegally, creating a safety hazard. That's where the barnacle comes in. Florida PSC reviews potential electricity rate hike proposal The bright yellow device sticks to your windshield using powerful suction cups. It blocks the vehicle's windshield so violators can't drive until it is removed. It can't be ignored like a parking ticket. 'You can't remove the device. And you can see this one is engaged, you can't move it, try to tamper with it. The alarm will go off and also sends us a message to our phone saying that somebody is trying to tamper with the device,' Franklin County Sheriff's Office Col. Dwayne Coulter said. To remove the barnacle, drivers must scan the QR code and pay a $108 fine. They also pay a $300 deposit until the barnacle is returned to the designated drop box at the Old Alligator Point fire station. County commissioners bought 6 barnacles at a total cost of more than $5,000. Sheriff Smith believes it will help deliver the intended message. 'When somebody comes up from the beach after a long day on the beach and they're getting to their car and they see the barnacle, it's going to be quite a shock. Don't park where you're not supposed to, and then you won't have to worry about being barnacled,' Smith said. Deputies have already written more than 50 citations in the last two days. Smith says they'll be strictly enforcing traffic citations as the season gets busier. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
FWC discusses plan to authorize regulated black bear hunting
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Sheriff A.J. Smith was instrumental in getting the black bear law passed during last year's legislative session. Bears have been encroaching into populated areas more regularly in the last few years, foraging for food close to homes and cars. Smith lobbied lawmakers to do something. The result was a law that allows people to shoot bears if they're threatened on their own property. Smith says that hasn't happened yet, and the bear situation has since improved. Barnacle device clamps down on illegal parking in Franklin County However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is holding hearings next month on a plan to authorize an annual bear hunt. 'They're talking about having a bear hunt, which I think of. It's of kind, like alligators. There's a tag for you, and you have to get a tag for an alligator. And you have to there's only a certain number,r and you have to be licensed and stuff like that. They do it the proper way. I think it'll be fine. And I think that's what the meeting that's going to be held is going to talk about. And I don't have a problem with it at all as long as it's regulated and done in the proper way,' Sheriff AJ Smith said. The FWC is hosting a virtual public meeting on March 13 at 6 pm Eastern to hear comments on regulated black bear hunting. To attend the meeting, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson receives Hurricane Helene Response Award
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – During Hurricane Helene, safety was the priority for local sheriff's offices. Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith is showing his appreciation for the help he received during the storm. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is located near the coast and needed a place to house 100 of their inmates. They reached out to neighboring counties for help, and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson responded, Without hesitation, they came to pick up their inmates, so Franklin County didn't have to worry about inmate safety. Four female inmates from the Walton County Jail graduated from their forklift operator course, and their skills were put to the test during a timed competition. 'We don't have storm shelters there. We don't have anything like that. And so it's you know, first priority is to get those inmates out and get them to a safe place,' Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith said. 'We operate on our word, you know, not not a bunch of signed agreements. Sheriff calls with says what he needs. We're gonna try to make it happen. That's the bottom line,' Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said. Sheriff Smith stopped by the Walton County Sheriff's Office today to present Sheriff Adkinson with a Hurricane Helene response award; expressing his gratitude for all the help Franklin County received during the storm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
