Fear stalks the sunny state

The number of guards on duty has risen sharply

By the BBC's Fergal Parkinson in Miami

Florida residents are becoming fearful as law enforcement agencies urge citizens to be tolerant of an increased presence of armed guards.

The state whose name once stood for luxury and convenience has lost its naivety. Anti-terrorism security measures have been stepped up in all areas of daily life.

My initial reaction when I walked in was, 'oh my God, this is really real with the guys walking around with the guns'

Fort Lauderdale airport passenger

The armed national guard patrol the airports and there is an unprecedented visible presence of police on the streets.

Ken Jenne, Sheriff of Broward County, told the BBC: "I can guarantee at Fort Lauderdale airport, a federal officer will look under every car with mirrors, and the back and under the hood will be searched."

One passenger at the airport said: "My initial reaction when I walked in was, 'oh my God, this is really real with the guys walking around with the guns.' It was sort of scary. It makes you do a double take, but it makes me feel safer."

Suspicious mail

The anthrax threat has left everyone immensely suspicious of unusual packages, or envelopes with no return address.

No one expected someone to wage war through the postal system, and it has put enormous stress on the country's 800,000 postal workers.

The news on 18 October that one worker had contracted subcutaneous anthrax has confirmed their worst fears.

The first anthrax cases were reported in Florida

The British-born Gibb family said everyone is now a lot more conscious of possible risks.

"My son had a blemish on his lip," he said. "I took him to the doctor, it turned out to be nothing. But I don't think I would have done that a month ago."

Bags searches target everyone from children at football grounds to business executives at airports.

Guards escort anyone caught acting suspiciously off of the premises.

It is certain that the innocence of Florida, the Sunshine State, has been lost forever.