The company known locally as the security firm that once hired the Orlando shooter to be a security guard is back in the news.
G4S is out as the security company at The Polo Club.
Both sides say it had nothing to do with the Orlando shooter – it‘s simply an economic decision.
“We’re delighted,” says Sherry Stein, a resident at the Polo Club. “We’re delighted that they’re out.
NewsChannel 5 cameras were rolling Thursday afternoon, as G4S left the Polo Club in Boca, a new security company taking their place.
“We’re thrilled with the new people, they seem diligent, they have background checks, fabulous,” Stein says.
Documents we obtained from G4S show us a strained relationship with The Polo Club forced the security company to end their contract on May 5, long before the Orlando Shooting.
However, that attack - and the connection between the shooter and G4S is giving others pause.
People living at PGA village in Port St. Lucie voiced concerns about the shooter’s employment there during a meeting two weeks ago.
The president of the homeowners association declined comment to us today, but G4S confirmed a review of policies and procedures by a PGA Village committee is underway.
Over at the St. Lucie County courthouse, where the shooter also worked security for G4S, the future of the company is now up in the air.
We spoke to sheriff Ken Mascara earlier this month after we learned the shooter was removed because of racist and sexist comments made in 2013.
Currently, G4S provides security for the courthouse entrance.
Today, the sheriff’s office sent us a statement as to whether G4S will continue to provide security at the courthouse.
“This is a topic that will be discussed further between my agency, the Clerk of the Court and the Court Administration,” the statement says in part.
Because the move to sheriff’s office personnel would cost taxpayers an extra $200,000 per year, he adds “Ultimately, it will be decided by funding provided by the Board of County Commissioners."
We reached out to The Polo Club to see who’s in charge of security now that G4S is out.
The Polo Club has yet to return our calls.
