Shooting, pop-up parties in downtown Gainesville raise concerns with residents and business owners
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Shooting, pop-up parties in downtown Gainesville raise concerns with residents and business owners
A 17-year-old girl was shot in the thigh outside of the Loft and Signal nightclubs after they closed Saturday morning. Gainesville police officers say crowds were gathered in the street after the clubs’ Fourth of July events. Business owners have reported that the noise, alcohol, and road blockages from street parties, often starting after bars close, are affecting the area’s image. The Gainesville Police Department said they are committed to supporting the needs of downtown while continuing to prioritize fast and efficient responses to calls across the city.
A 17-year-old girl was shot in the thigh outside of the Loft and Signal nightclubs after they closed Saturday morning. Gainesville police officers say crowds were gathered in the street after the clubs’ Fourth of July events.
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The shooting is only adding to concerns about crime and disturbances late at night in downtown Gainesville.
On Wednesday, Commissioner Ed Book met with owners of downtown businesses to discuss their concerns. They told Book that if pop-up parties and crime continue, it could seriously impact their businesses.
Business owners have reported that the noise, alcohol, and road blockages from street parties, often starting after bars close, are affecting the area’s image.
Gerald Jones, or ‘Mr. Gainesville’, said, “Crime does affect businesses because I’m a business owner myself. But at the same time, we need to increase security in the area, you know what I mean.”
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“The crime has been going up lately,” Jones added, “and I feel like the protection needs to increase, too. We all need to protect each other”.
Andre Wicks, a Gainesville resident, said that “crime tends to get worse around this time of year”.
Meanwhile, Laura Lopez, a University of Florida student, added, “You wouldn’t expect to hear about so much crime in such a small town. We’ve never personally witnessed anything, but we often hear sirens and police cars, especially in this area.”
TV20 reached out to the Gainesville Police Department, and they provided the following statement:
“Gainesville City Commissioner Ed Book and Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya have met with a number of downtown business owners to better understand their concerns. GPD leadership is committed to supporting the needs of downtown while continuing to prioritize fast and efficient responses to calls across the city”.
With summer in full swing, both business owners and locals hope for quick action to address these issues before they worsen.
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