SARASOTA, Fla. — There was an increase in police staffing Saturday night at the Sarasota County Fair, which is protected by both law enforcement and private security.
The heightened security presence comes as the Sarasota Police Department continues to investigate an "unsubstantiated" threat against specific people who may have been at the fair.
"We are taking all precautions to ensure the Fair is safe and enjoyable this evening," police wrote Saturday in a Facebook post.
Officers say they were aware of a group of people from Manatee County who allegedly made plans to target three people, possibly hoping to shoot them at the fair.
"As stated, it is a threat towards these 3 specific people, not the Fair itself," the post from the police department explained.
The police department worked with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office to follow up on leads. Investigators say the potential plot may have considered "the use of 'Orbeez' guns."
These toy guns fire a soft-gel, pellet projectiles and have recently gained popularity on social media.