Southport preps for 4th of July security
SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — Southport is home to the 4th of July celebration in the state, so we wanted to check on what they’re doing to keep you safe.
The festival draws thousands each year, according to festival co-chair Duncan Hilburn.
“Everything’s free, so there’s something for everyone,” Hilburn said. “We just want everybody to come down, have a good time, enjoy Southport and celebrate the 4th of July.”
Southport Police Chief Gary Smith said multiple agencies will work to patrol the town during the weekend.
“We plan out the traffic patterns, we plan out the estimated population that’s coming to town and we come up with an effective plan to get everyone in and out safely,” Smith said.
With recent events around the country and world targeting so called “soft targets,” Smith said they are taking precautions.
“We’ve taken that into account and we’ve collaborated with several different agencies, ATF, DEA, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department and we’ve come up with a plan in the case of an emergency.”
Smith said they haven’t had major incidents in the past and Hilburn says safety is always the main priority and he thinks folks are in the right hands.
“We’re gonna be safe, but I’m not a police officer so I let the guys that know how to do that, handle that part.”
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