16-05-2025
Gulf Shores PD, Fire gear up for ‘Sand in My Boots' with security, safety measures
GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) — As the stages go up and country music fans start to roll in for the Sand in My Boots Festival, police and fire crews in Gulf Shores are bracing for the festival frenzy.
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Around 40,000 people are expected for the festival, meaning more traffic, more 911 calls and more boots on the ground from first responders.
'With more people, we want more resources,' Joethan Phillips with Gulf Shores Fire Rescue said. 'So, for the festival, we have brought a few more resources.'
Bringing in different local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, it's all hands on deck to keep everything under control this weekend.
'There'll be plenty of police officers on the perimeter and inside,' Carl Wittstruck with the Gulf Shores Police Department said. 'We have different technology we will be using to monitor crowds and to react if something should occur.'
Police are also warning fans hoping to make a last-minute purchase not to fall for fake ticket scams.
'We've been notified of some fake wristbands that are being sold on social media and different sites,' Wittstruck said. 'Use caution and make sure they're authentic before they go ahead and purchase them.'
Fire and EMS crews will also be staged around the festival in case of any emergencies.
'The biggest safety concern that we have going into the weekend is the heat that's coming. We want people to know when they come here to hydrate,' Phillips said. 'You're going to be out here all day in the sun. It's gonna be hot this weekend so pack your patience and hydrate before you get here.'
With that in mind, first responders said it's all about enjoying the weekend safely.
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'Have a good time, enjoy yourselves, but let's be smart and let's be adults about it,' Wittstruck said.
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