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City Hall Gets a Huge Security Upgrade in Mount Dora, Fla.

"The openness is going away, from a security perspective, for the protection of our city employees."

(TNS) -- MOUNT DORA, Fla. – A hard hat may be needed to enter City Hall Thursday and Friday. A sign on the door warns visitors that construction will take place on those days.

According to City Manager Robin Hayes, crews will be installing $66,996 worth of security enhancements to the building, a project approved by the City Council earlier this year.

"The openness is going away, from a security perspective, for the protection of our city employees," Hayes said.

The security upgrade was based on a plan the police department presented to City Council members in September 2016, which included bullet-resistant glass, 17 wireless panic transmitters and 13 security cameras on the interior and exterior of the building.

Following the presentation, City Council directed the police department to move forward with the bidding process. Ruby Builders Inc. were awarded a contract in the amount of $38, 248 for installation of the glass and Smart Watch Inc. $28,747 for the installation of the security and surveillance equipment and duress system.

Hayes said that when people enter the building, differences they may notice immediately after the construction is finished are new security features on all doors and plexi-glass covering the now open, roll-up windows where employees are stationed to direct visitors or take payments.

"We accept cash at our utility building and permitting department and we want to make sure our employees there are as secure as possible," Hayes said.

"Each of the door systems will be secured properly," Hayes added.

In addition, Hayes said that a portion of the building will include a secure entrance, requiring that employees, or cleared personnel, use a security chip or key fob to enter.

Hayes said in addition to the installation of security cameras at City Hall, security web cams have been installed at Donnelly Park and Simpson Cove.

©2017 Daily Commercial, Leesburg, Fla. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.