- April 16, 2024
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The Flagler Beach Pier and the nearby stretch of State Road A1A was cleared by law enforcement the evening of Sunday, March 27, because of a false threat of a bomb.
“The teamwork displayed by multiple agencies involved in this emergency response is what being a professional first responder is all about, and keeping our community safe is our utmost priority."
— MATT DOUGHNEY, Flagler Beach police chief
The investigation took almost six hours.
Law enforcement officers responded to the pier at about 6:45 p.m. after an individual whose identity is not yet known reported that he'd set six pipe bombs beneath the end of the pier and that he had a handgun, according to a news release from the Flagler Beach Police Department.
The FBPD, Flagler Beach Fire Department and Flagler County Sheriff's Office evacuated people from the pier and diverted car traffic on State Road A1A away from the area.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office brought in K-9 teams to search the pier and the belongings people had left there during the evacuation.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team from St Johns County also responded, according to the news release. They didn't find any explosives.
Law enforcement officers competed the call for service at 12:35 a.m. March 28, and vehicular traffic was allowed to return.
The pier stayed closed until 7 a.m. so that the people who'd left their bags and other items there during the evacuation could get their belongings back.
Pier staff worked from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. to return the items to their owners, according to the news release.
“We sincerely appreciate the tremendous support provided last night and early this morning by our law enforcement partners at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office," Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney said. "The timely response, dedication and willingness of deputies from these agencies to assist our department and our community was absolutely stellar.”
Anyone with information about the person responsible for the false bomb threat is asked to contact Detective Vinci at 386-517-2000, Ext. 307, or [email protected]. Or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida by phone at 1-888-277-8477 or at www.nefcrimestoppers.com.
