Florida-Georgia game: Jacksonville police say security will be tight at the stadium, downtown

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Safety and security is top of mind four days from the annual Florida-Georgia game on Saturday.

The city is bracing for a massive influx of fans. Up to 82,000 fans are expected to pack EverBank Field to cheer on the Florida Gators or the Georgia Bulldogs. Fans can expect a heavy police presence, including officers they can’t see.

“RV City,” an RV lot near the stadium, officially opened Tuesday morning and already, fans from all over Florida and Georgia started pulling in, decked out in school spirit.

That includes Henry Hinojosa, who said he chose the RV lot because of its reliable security.

“Because of the way they check at the front gate, they do give some freedom for people to walk through here, but at the end of the day they keep a close watch on it,” Hinojosa said.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Chief Leonard Propper said security won’t only be tight at the stadium, but at The Jacksonville Landing as well.

“In the Landing, outside the Landing, so the entire downtown grid will really have an enhanced police presence,” Propper said.

Undercover officers will also play a big role in keeping everyone safe.

“We have intelligence from our state and federal level that's helping us track social media and stuff, so we have a very good plan,” Propper said.

You’ve heard it before, but it’s now more important than ever, “if you see something say something.”

“We feel very, very confident with our plan and that plan only works with the help of the public,” Propper said.

Florida-Georgia week also means fans will enjoy some adult beverages, but JSO said it will be keeping an eye out for underage drinking.

In the last three years, JSO has handed out more than 300 citations to violators.

Overall, the message from police, is to have fun, but do it safely and legally.

Cox Media Group