CAMERAS COULD BE PLACED ON NORTH TAMIAMI TRAIL

SARASOTA - Detectives are using detailed video from a surveillance
camera to identify suspects who spray painted the side of a building
on North Tamiami Trail -- and who are suspected of defacing even more
buildings.

A handful of property owners say surveillance cameras could help them
battle other crimes along the commercial strip, such as drug dealing,
prostitution and vandalism.

They want to install a half dozen digital cameras along U.S. 41,
using $3,000 in grant money, their own money, and maybe some city
money, too. The cameras cost about $10,000 each.

"A businessman coming to pick up a prostitute or a criminal wanting
to sell cocaine would think twice," said Jeff Oldenburg, owner of a
strip mall on 41.

Police say similar cameras are deterring crime in Fredd Atkins Park
in north Sarasota.

"There was a constant problem with narcotic sales," said Capt. Bill
Spitler.

The digital cameras would be connected via a live feed to the police
department. The cameras have a range of about 1,000 feet, and can
zoom in and pan out.

"That way if anything happens, the police department can keep an eye
on that," said Jay Patel, owner of the Regency Hotel.

Oldenburg has pledged to help pay for the cameras, but says they are
just a part of what is needed along the North Trail. He wants to see
new cafes, restaurants, hotels and affordable condos in place of the
area's older, run-down buildings, many of which are vacant.

"It's a piece of the puzzle," he said.

Oldenburg points to changes, including a gas station being remodeled
to include a Dunkin' Donuts along the North Trail. And the Ringling
College of Art and Design has purchased vacant properties, including
the old Shell Gas station and property at U.S. 41 and Patterson
Drive, where an old Twistee Treat building sits dormant.

The ice cream store has been vacant for more than two
years.

The college is buying land for a future expansion.

"Part of the goal is to make it more of a cultural/ college
corridor," said Christine Lange, spokeswoman with Ringling College.
"We would love to see a mixture of young and old."

The city of Orlando first installed cameras downtown a few years ago,
and recently purchased newer cameras that allow police to get a tight
shot of someone's face.

Thirty other cities have recently installed surveillance cameras.