Moncrief shooting death is the latest homicide in Jacksonville's most dangerous zip code

Saturday’s shooting happened in an area known by many as Jacksonville’s most dangerous ZIP code.

The 32209 ZIP code includes the Cleveland Arms and Washington Heights neighborhoods.

Residents told Action News Jax that they’re no longer surprised when shootings and homicides happen in the area.

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Fresh Words Ministries pastor Nashon Nicks says crime is a way of life in 32209 and its surrounding ZIP codes.

“Typically, when you see this zip code you’re looking for who got shot,” Nicks said.

He and neighbors believe crime won’t stop until there’s active change.

“We’ve got to get these little things right we can change our environment change our educations change our economic and then we change our community,” Nicks said.

He’s taking steps to improve the area. On Saturday afternoon, the pastor hosted a job and empowerment fair at Washington Heights.

However, he said he can’t do it on his own.

“If it takes a village to raise a child it’s going to take a community to change this ZIP code,” Nicks said.

Cox Media Group