Every opportunity to make Florida a safer place is an opportunity we should pursue eagerly. Today, I had the privilege of participating in a pilot program designed to develop strategies for safe and sustainable communities.
The Coordinated Community Anti-Crime Initiative was first tested in the University Area in Hillsborough County, which carries the sixth highest crime rate in Florida. Through the community-building process, the neighborhood was transformed by a coordinated effort among vested community members.
With this model, which can be adapted and implemented in any neighborhood, we can address challenges such as unemployment, poor housing conditions, little or no access to social services, and other issues, which are often the precursors to criminal activity.
Anti-crime efforts are most effective when residents, diverse cultural groups, leaders, businesses and key stakeholders mobilize to create positive change. Our state will only benefit from having more people involved in building safer neighborhoods and communities.