Since 2024, Baxter has traveled to many public events with armed Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies. Taxpayers pay the bill.
$20,000+
spent on her security at 30+ events through mid-2025, often with three deputies
$1.55 million
billed for security rides for all county commissioners, as of April 30, 2026
FactBaxter says she reported possible threats to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and that the Sheriff's Office — not her — decided the threats were real enough to need protection. "I'm not in law enforcement. I'm not the one to determine what it is a credible threat," she said. She has not shared details about what the threats were.
FactCritics — including 2026 opponent Elizabeth Accomando and Indian Trail official Betty Argue — say the spending doesn't add up. They point out the security detail has gone with her to Republican Party events and Mar-a-Lago, not just county business, and estimate the yearly cost at over $40,000. Former County Administrator Verdenia Baker said no commissioner had gotten this kind of ongoing protection in the past 20 years.
FactThe county's $3.3 million security contract for all commissioners was approved on Nov. 4, 2025 with almost no discussion or explanation. The county attorney told staff not to talk to the media about it. A copy later obtained by the Palm Beach Post had key details blacked out.
No one has shown the public proof of a real threat against Baxter. Without that proof, this looks like taxpayers footing the bill for a personal security detail she doesn't need — including trips to political events that have nothing to do with her county job.
Source: Town-Crier, Palm Beach Post, WLRN, Sun-Sentinel editorial board
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