UF spent $67,000 to cover event security

The University of Florida paid a local county government more than $67,000 to cover security costs for a speaking event last fall featuring white nationalist Richard Spencer.

The Gainesville Sun reported Wednesday that UF sent Alachua County a check for $67,461.11 that school officials felt covered costs for the event. The county previously billed UF $302,000.

Protesters’ chants drowned out Spencer’s message Oct. 19. He called the protesters “babies” and “pathetic” before ending the event early.

The Sun estimated the event’s total cost at about $793,000. Spencer and his group paid $10,500. The city of Gainesville says it spent about $224,000 on the event, while the Florida Highway Patrol spent $266,000.

Gov. Rick Scott had declared a “state of emergency” over worries that the event would spark violence. later that day — March 20 — to speak on charges of not paying more than a half-million dollars in child support.

But he didn’t show up for court, or for work as a commercial real estate agent. The judge rescheduled his hearing for March 27, but he didn’t show then, either.

His wallet and passport were left in his home. Family members told police they’ve grown increasingly concerned.

Theoharis has been divorced since 2008. His ex-wife is fighting him for child support for their two daughters.