City billing church for extra security during Koran burning

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Security is being increased in
Gainesville, Fla., because of a church’s plan to burn the Quran on
Saturday. And city officials say they’ll be sending a bill to the
church.

The plan by the Dove World Outreach Center to burn copies of the
Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks has
drawn international condemnation. Officials fear it could spark
anti-American and anti-Christian violence.

President Barack Obama, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and
Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe are among those condemning the
church’s plans.

City spokesman Bob Woods says he expects the costs of extra
security will be substantial, and the church will be billed.

Officials aren’t saying how many extra officers will be on duty.

Gainesville police will already be dealing with some 90,000
football fans plus tailgaters for the Florida-South Florida game.

And at least one counter-protest is planned by a University of
Florida student group.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)