Palm Beach County Director Tried to Restrict Access Without Signage – I Didn’t Back Down

When a government official tries to restrict access to a public space without proper signage, you already know that’s not going to fly with me — or with the First Amendment.

In this audit, I headed to Palm Beach County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to see if transparency and accountability were just buzzwords — or something they actually practice. What followed was a tour through multiple departments, some welcome surprises, and of course… a few awkward standoffs.

Let’s break it down.

🚪 First Stop: Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the receptionist with a standard, “How can I help you?”

Naturally, I responded with my favorite icebreaker:

👉 “You can help by buying me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/gcnn.”

Almost instantly, Oscar Alvarez, Director of the EOC, appeared and told me everything past the receptionist’s desk was restricted.

Only problem?

🔍 There was absolutely no signage indicating any area was off-limits.

So I kept filming.

Then came the sign-in sheet debacle. I accidentally signed in on the vendor sheet, and the receptionist asked for ID. I politely declined, citing my Fourth Amendment right — because hey, showing ID to enter a public building with no restricted access signage? Not today.

Another staffer asked if I’d be willing to stay near the front. Again, I respectfully declined, pointing out that keycard-access doors and public restrooms clearly indicate where the limits are — and the hallway didn’t qualify. A passing employee confirmed the restrooms were public, reinforcing my point.

📹 I captured what I needed and stepped outside — where Oscar was chatting with someone.

I took the opportunity to ask him three fair questions:

• “Is this where the public would go during a hurricane or major emergency?”

• “How does this agency ensure transparency when working with FEMA or Homeland Security?”

• “Do you have a public information officer available for citizens or press?”

To his credit, Oscar answered all of them without hesitation. I gave him my business card and moved on.

🏛️ Next Stop: Consumer Affairs, Purchasing & Youth Services Building

Inside the adjacent building, I snapped a few shots of the unattended security desk — which quickly drew attention. The security guard asked what I was doing. I told him I was taking pictures… then turned the camera on him.

He recognized me as the “First Amendment right guy” from next door.

So, naturally, I asked, “Then why are you questioning me?”

He didn’t want to talk anymore and told me I was in his space.

❌ Correction: It’s not your space, it’s public space.

🧾 Consumer Affairs – Transparency Done Right

I took the elevator (expired permit and all) to the second floor and headed into the Consumer Affairs office.

Joe Smith, the director himself, came out to see what I needed.

When I offered him the usual “buy me a coffee” line, he chuckled and said he couldn’t, but was happy to help otherwise.

I asked him:

• “How do you ensure fairness when resolving complaints between residents and businesses?”

• “Are complaint outcomes available to the public?”

• “How often does this office get audited or reviewed by oversight boards?”

Joe answered all three questions clearly and professionally. I handed him a card and thanked him for the transparency. This is how it’s supposed to be done.

🚫 Youth Services – Closed on Fridays

I tried to stop by Youth Services next, but it turns out they’re closed on Fridays. So I kept it moving.

📊 Purchasing Department – Long Wait, Fair Answers

At Purchasing, I asked the front desk to speak with someone.

After about 15 minutes, Bridgette came out and answered my questions:

• “What steps are in place to prevent favoritism or fraud in the bidding process?”

• “How can small businesses compete for county contracts?”

• “Are awarded vendor contracts available online for public inspection?”

She was polite, informative, and didn’t try to obstruct my recording. Props to her for handling it right.

🛑 Security Confusion (Again) + Palm Tran Wrap-Up

Before leaving, I swung by the security desk again — still unattended. A woman from Palm Tran asked if I needed anything, and eventually, a second security guard showed up.

It looked like he was on the phone with someone telling him I wasn’t allowed to film… but to his credit, he didn’t try to stop me.

Just to confirm, I asked if Youth Services was closed on Fridays. He confirmed.

I wrapped things up next door at Palm Tran. The wait was longer than expected, and another person got helped before me despite arriving after me — a little annoying, but I got the information I came for and left.

🎯 Final Thoughts

This audit had a little bit of everything: attempted restrictions, public recognition, expired permits, and some solid conversations with professional staff.

Let’s be clear: public access isn’t optional — it’s a right.

And if a government office wants to restrict an area, the bare minimum is to post a sign.

When they don’t?

I don’t back down.

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