In the last year, St. Pete residents have witnessed gang warfare in Childs Park, the Christmas shootings at Baywalk, a rash of armed robberies of taxicabs, and most recently, a brazen rape and robbery at one of Central Avenue’s upscale restaurants. But Mayor Rick Baker and Police Chief Chuck Harmon continue their Kevin-Bacon-in-Animal House school of crowd control mantra: “Crime is down. All is well. Remain calm.” What more has to happen before city leaders admit there’s a problem?
This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2008.