Duval County

Crime reduction task force meets on heels of violent weekend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Local families said they’re worried not enough is being done to curb violent crime Jacksonville, following a weekend with 8 shootings and 1 stabbing.

Early Monday morning, police cars flooded Price Park Drive where officers said two men were shot.

Tyrone Gomez said he was at work, but his wife and two little girls were fast asleep a few houses down.

He described, “It’s close to home now. Before, it was far away from here, now, it’s close to my house.”

Gomez said he has noticed crime seeping into more areas of Jacksonville.

In January 2019, when the city’s crime reduction taskforce met for the first time, families of crime victims called for action, not more meetings.

During a commission meeting Monday, Reverend Dr. Mark Griffin said, “It seems as if crime now has become worse.”

Commission leaders said the city’s new budget has money for mental health awareness and an administrative position.

According to members, the commission still needs funds for a citywide mentor program, resources to respond to crime hotspots, and info on how they can facilitate JSO needs.

“For our city to be as large as it is and not have a mentoring program, does not speak will for us or the future of crime reduction,” said Griffin.

On Monday, some members of the commission voiced their disappointment in the lack of work accomplished.

Gomez said he can’t help his growing frustration.

“Get the police involved,” said the local dad.