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Broward Law Enforcement Takes High Profile Approach After Bombings

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) – While there is no reason to think there's any threat to South Florida in the wake of the Boston bombing, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel said law enforcement agencies across the county are taking things very seriously.

Security has been stepped across the county from the Amtrak and Tri-Rail train stations to Port Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport where sheriff's deputies are taking a more high-profile approach to their duties.

"I can tell you we are monitoring all updates we've received through the federal government," said Ft. Lauderdale Detective Deanna Greenlaw.

Tuesday afternoon, police went over their security plan for this weekend's air show on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

"It's something we do for all large-scale events but since we had this incident in Boston, we have new updates to discuss," Greenlaw told CBS4's Peter D'Oench. "This is an event that the community looks forward to and we don't want anyone to be concerned about their safety at this event."

While there are no extra deputies or screeners at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International, there is a heightened sense of awareness among security personnel.

Visiting from Pennsylvania, Paul Warchol said what happened in Boston brought back ugly memories of the September 11th attacks. He said he'll never forget that day because he was living near the Twin Towers at the time. Since then, he said he's looked at things a bit differently.

"I'm not deputizing myself as a guy to look out for packages, but it is something to worry about," Warchol said to D'Oench. "It just seems it's the same sort of thing, the tension. We're now dealing with a lower level but with what happened yesterday, it's all rising to the surface."

Other travelers said they weren't that concerned.

"I think everyone has put themselves in place to do what they need to do, to make everything secure. There's nothing to really worry about," said Pina Tome who was visiting from Canada.

Israel said the public can do their part by giving law enforcement a call if they see or hear something out of the ordinary.

"We're asking the public, if you hear something, to partner with us. If you see something, call us and let us know what's happening," said Israel. "Being vigilant is the best thing we can do in a spirit of cooperation."

Law enforcement here in South Florida trains throughout the year for the types of scenarios that unfolded in Boston.

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