BAD BOY BLOCKADE WORKS

MANATEE -- Drug and crime activity is down significantly since the
entrance to Bermuda 100 was closed in April, according to Manatee
County Sheriff's Col. Chuck Hagaman. That's why it will stay closed
for at least another nine months in hopes the trend continues.

Officials in April closed the north intersection of 57th Avenue East
and Seventh Street Court East - the main entrance to the Bermuda 100
neighborhood - to curb drive-through crimes, such as open-air drug
deals and drive-by shootings. To that end, it has been successful, but
not popular.

"We're not seeing the drug dealers there," Hagaman said. "We believe
the road closure is responsible for the drug dealing moving away. . .
. Our drive-by shootings have dropped dramatically. Also, the few
individuals in that community we suspected of being involved in gangs
are no longer living there."

Special Investigations Division officers during the past four months
have made about 150 arrests in a massive street corner drug dealer
sweep, Hagaman said. None of those was on the blocked road. But
residents say the inconvenience of the closure is a "big problem,"
Hagaman said.

Now, the only route into the neighborhood is at 56th Avenue East and
Ninth Street East.

County commissioners on Tuesday weren't convinced that a three-month
sample was long enough to judge the success of the closure. They
decided that the road will remain closed for the next nine months.

"All of us want to help reduce crime. The question is how we're going
to do it," said Commissioner Ron Getman. "Three months is too short a
time. It's a good indicator, but it doesn't rise to the level of
confidence. I support six months to a year to get a better
evaluation."

Added Commissioner Carol Whitmore, "I would prefer we close it for a
year and see what happens. I don't like closing roads. I'd prefer
seeing what happens after a year."

Commissioners voted 5-0 to keep the road closed for further
monitoring. Commission Chairman Amy Stein was absent for the vote, and
Commissioner Joe McClash recused himself, because he owns property
adjacent to the road closure. He said law enforcement has done a great
job in the area.

In April, three "road closed" barricades were placed at the north
intersection of 57th Avenue East and Seventh Street Court East. The
road was closed to curb the drug activity that law enforcement
authorities say has historically plagued the community.

Hagaman is expected to make another report to the commission in six
months.