By S'iva Goodman

Staff writer

FORT PIERCE - Five years ago this month, Americans and the world witnessed one of the most tragic terrorist attacks the nation has ever experienced.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 ended an "age of innocence," a sense of security which Americans enjoyed since the end of World War II.

With such a blatant threat landing in America's backyard, issues of national security flew to the forefront, and citizens became aware of the dangers of terrorism.

Since then, security measures affecting all facets of American life have changed, especially in airports. The attacks of Sept. 11 were executed using American airplanes, carrying American citizens and causing airport security to be immediately heightened. Since then, airport security has continued to increase.

However, security measures differ between commercial airports, such as Palm Beach International Airport, and general aviation airports, which smaller, private planes use, such as the St. Lucie County International Airport in Fort Pierce.

Airport Director Diana Lewis said the airport has been increasing its security since 2001. A new badge recognition security system, funded with a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation, has been in effect since July.

"This airport didn't even have a fence around it (before 2001)," said Ms. Lewis. "It has always had a limited ID system, but it was inactive most of the time."

According to Ms. Lewis, the airport is now gated, fenced, enclosed and locked.

The new badge system keeps a record of who accesses the airport.

The facility is patrolled by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office in the evening. The sheriff uses a hangar on the premises for the department's helicopters.

"There is no security guard on staff for the airport," Ms. Lewis said.

A customs facility at the airport clears international flights.

She said tenants must follow strict security procedures.

"The tenants take security very seriously," Ms. Lewis said. "They are all very cooperative and always more than happy to comply."

All employees of the airport are required to attend training courses regarding airport security and correct usage of the badge system.

Pilots must have identification and their pilot license with them when flying. But, Ms. Lewis said there are not strict requirements for pilots at general aviation airports around the country.

General aviation airports are required to have a safety plan ready in the event of an emergency, such as a terrorist threat.

The county's airport worked with the Florida Airports Council, an association of publicly-owned and operated airports, airport professionals, and experts in the fields of airport design, development, and improvement, and the FDOT to devise its plan.

"There were no guidelines for what the airport could expect out of a security plan and no outline to follow," Ms. Lewis said.

"We have a really good plan in place now that is working well. We can always improve based on future risks."

St. Lucie County Airport is located at, 3000 Curtis King Blvd., in Fort Pierce. For more information, call (772) 462-1732.

To report any suspicious airport activities, call the General Aviation Hotline, (866) GA SECUR (427-3287), or visit the Web site, at www.aopa.org/airportwatch/.

Goodman@hometownnewsol.com