Description
I live by the park in the Live Oak neighborhood. There is no light in the park so at night people go in there for various reasons, some drugs, some teenagers, some homeles bys, etc... We call St Petersburg Police when we notice them after dark. The dispatcher told us a couple of calls ago the park is not listed as a St Petersburg Park. Sometimes the police can't find the park. I would like to see that rectified. I would also like lights in the park to deter the teenagers and drug dealers. Many of the neighborhood folks have the same concerns I do. Some have found needles in and around the park and neighborhood. Some feel unsafe taking their children to play in the park. Teens go in during the day and are very intimidating. The park is located at the SE corner of 55th St and 2nd Ave N.
5 Comments
Christina Bernsdorff (Registered User)
Acknowledged Mayor's Action Center 2 (Registered User)
italianprincess70 (Registered User)
Christina Bernsdorff (Registered User)
Closed Mayor's Action Center 1 (Registered User)
(posted on behalf of Assistant Chief Luke Williams, SPPD) Thank you for your SeeClickFix dated July 13, 2015. Chief Holloway has asked me to respond directly to you regarding the issue of disorderly juveniles occupying the park past closing time and illegal drug use in the park. The information you provided was forwarded to Community Service Sergeant Richard Hladik to investigate.
Sergeant Hladik reported that he assigned Officer Matt Wilson to monitor and patrol the area to resolve your concerns. Officer Wilson has conducted several Directed Patrols. He has checked the park multiple times throughout his shift. He advised he did locate some teens and spoke to them about the park. He stated they advised him they live in the area and do go to the park sometimes at night. He stated he told them the park was closed at night and they advised they would pass that information on to their friends.
You also mentioned placing lights in the park. Placing lights in the park may encourage the parks use after closing time. Please continue to call the non-emergency number, (727)893-7780, if activity is observed in the park after closing time or at any time if illegal activity is observed. Officer Wilson will continue to monitor the area, conduct night time surveillance and will take enforcement action if needed should violations occur.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact the Community Service Unit at (727)551-3183. Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention.
Sincerely,
Luke C. Williams
Assistant Chief of Police
Uniform Services Bureau