The Brevard Sheriff's Office will take over security operations at three schools in Palm Bay starting in August, according to a statement released Friday. The move follows a review of safety protocols at the schools, which are located in the eastern part of the city. Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the department has been working with school officials to ensure a smooth transition.
The three schools have not been named publicly, but officials confirmed they are part of the Palm Bay School District. The sheriff's office will deploy deputies to monitor entrances, patrol campus areas, and respond to emergencies. The decision comes after a series of community meetings where parents and teachers raised concerns about school safety.
The transition will begin on August 15, with deputies scheduled to arrive at each school by 7:30 a.m. daily. School administrators will continue to handle day-to-day operations, while the sheriff's office focuses on security. A joint task force has been formed to address long-term safety improvements, including upgrades to surveillance systems.
The Brevard County School Board approved the plan in a closed session last week. No budget details were disclosed, but the sheriff's office emphasized the arrangement is temporary. Parents have mixed reactions, with some praising the added protection and others questioning the cost. The department plans to update the community monthly on progress.