Local

Seminole County Sheriff discusses safety preps for Zimmerman trial

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County is just days away from the biggest trial the county has seen.

Jury selection in George Zimmerman's murder trial begins Monday.

On Tuesday, Channel 9's Kathi Belich asked Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger if the county is ready for the national spotlight.

Eslinger told Belich that he's confident and is ready for whatever might happen.

New security cameras were installed in the cupola at the Seminole County Courthouse and at other spots inside and outside the building.

Only 24 seats will be available to the public each day in courtroom 5C for the trial. The Sheriff's Office is adding a third security line at the entrance.

Some people Belich spoke with said they would come by the courthouse to see just what is going on during the trial; others said they won't be stopping by.

"Zimmerman's got a lot going on; the family's got a lot going on. They don't need all of us right up against them, too," said Sanford resident Maryjo Clark.

Belich asked Eslinger how he feels about the potential for trouble because of opposing opinions in this sometimes polarizing case.

"We've seen some emotion assigned to the trial, but not tension," said Eslinger.

Eslinger said the work that's been done over the last year, with the help of the United States Department of Justice, Sanford police and local pastors has kept the calm.

Eslinger said his and Sanford's officers will join forces with the Brevard, Orange and Volusia county sheriff's departments to ensure things stay peaceful.

He wouldn't get specific about what Florida Department of Law Enforcement and FBI agents might be doing behind the scenes or undercover.

Two areas will be set up for any protesters. Those areas will be separated by sheriff's deputies.