Jacksonville the next Detroit-article. Is the crime really that bad? (Tampa: city hall, home)

[herethereandeverywhere]

We're condidering a move to Jax but articles like this don't help the cause. Is it really that bad or is it just exageratted? Are there safe areas where you're not going to get mugged or shot?

Thanks.

Here's the link from Metro Jacksonville.




Metro Jacksonville - Jacksonville: The Next Detroit?

[apvbguy]

Originally Posted by herethereandeverywhere

We're condidering a move to Jax but articles like this don't help the cause. Is it really that bad or is it just exageratted? Are there safe areas where you're not going to get mugged or shot?

Thanks.

Here's the link from Metro Jacksonville.




Metro Jacksonville - Jacksonville: The Next Detroit?

those people tend to get overly dramatic, like any urban area in the US there are good parts of town and bad parts, some places have more bad than good but in JAX there are plenty of good places to live, and the bad is easily avoided.

[SlickP]

It's like every town, there are many more good areas than bad. You just stay out of the bad areas.

[Magnolia Bloom]

We are in a bad way due to a history of segregation and racist attitudes. And the racism cuts both ways in certain segments of society. The divide between haves and have-nots is great. In Jax it happens to fall within a predominantly poor African-American community. In other areas of the country, the poverty is more color blind. Many kids who live in lower socio-economic areas have never seen the beach. There are grown-ups living on the northside that do not go to Mandarin out of fear. There are grown ups in Mandarin that do not go to the northside out of fear. I know this because I have heard this from both groups. Too often perception is reality.

BUT.....with the influx of folks from out of the area, I truly believe that Jax is at a tipping point. Good old boys still run city hall- locals (especially those of color) are still kept in their places. But when you have folks coming from areas where respect is an expectation, folks who come with different rules- change is gonna take place. That whole perception-reality thing.... Different perceptions, different realities.

Jax is on the cusp of greatness. And it is because of the influx of different ideas and cultures. Jax has been an inbred community for a long, long time. If this is to change, if you want to make Jax your home, and a home that you will be proud of, folks new to the area need to get out of their gated communities and meet the people.

I heard the "N' word today when speaking to a neighbor. We need to call them on that, every time. And if you come here and never step out of your comfort zone, you won't be part of the solution, you'll just be another stereotype. And you will never feel truly feel that Jax is home.

I am not making an excuse for those who commit crime. On Tuesday I was in court, and the 18YO who pulled a gun on my son at an ATM sat next to me and my 70-somethign mother. He needs to go to jail. But I also know that those who feel hopeless also feel that they have little to lose. Too many youth feel hopeless. Everyone can play a role in letting all of our youth taste the vibrant flavors of life. Because if all you've tasted is gruel, it's hard to imagine creme brulee.

EDIT- In rereading this, I realized that I need to make clear that there are MANY locals who are not close-minded. Some of my best friends are locals....!

[riveree]

We're also trying to get Federal help - $$$ - to get crime under control here. So we have to make it look very bleak in order to plead our case.

[riveree]

I have to add, I kind of like our new nickname that's going around:

Murderville

It's very catchy. I can see the t-shirts already . It's much better than our former title "The Murder Capital of Florida" - that one was way too long for a t-shirt.

[Keith-n-Jax]

crime and murder is everywhere,I was just in Tampa a few weeks ago, for min there news looked just like ours when I watched.

[rherren]

HIF,
Great post. the best I've read in hours. I'm moving to your area when I retire from the military in July 08, and I am bringing an attitude like the one you mentioned in your post. I am originally from Georgia, so I relate to some of the "good ole boy" attitudes you mentioned. I've lived all over the nation and for the last three years I've lived in Los Angeles county, Ca. We live in a great community, but less than two miles from here you can find gang members. We still go into those areas from time to time, just be aware of your surroundings. You can't live your life in fear of what might happen.
Perception, let me tell you about perception. When we first moved to the area, I got gas at a local gas station. Standing near me at the other pump was a young hispanic man in his 20's with tattoos, sunglasses and an Oakland Raiders hat. I just knew I was going to be attacked by this "gang member". I didn't take me long to realize that this kid was there because he also needed gas. He didn't care about what I was doing. Hell, I have a tattoo, sunglasses and a ball cap too. Three years in this area and I have had no problems at all. 99.99 percent of all people want to be respected and enjoy their lives. I'll probably live in the gated community you mentioned, but I will also bring an attitude of optimism and tolerance. I embrace diversity and look forward to making new friends from all over the area. I will call people on their narrow-minded attitudes, and I to believe I can make a difference.

[agreatlife]

Guess it's time for a little Burma Shave ad for Jax:

Some are calling us Murderville
Good ole boys run City Hall
But the Northside and the Southside
Together are trying to stand up tall
... Jacksonville

[Magnolia Bloom]

Originally Posted by riveree

I have to add, I kind of like our new nickname that's going around:

Murderville

It's very catchy. I can see the t-shirts already . It's much better than our former title "The Murder Capital of Florida" - that one was way too long for a t-shirt.

Murderville?! LOL, that's a new one to me. Yeah, I agree. That whole "murder capital" thing....then the t-shirts would be dated if some other city surpassed us. And there is that whole distinction between an actual murder and a homocide. I just see a lot of probs with using the "Murder Capital" branding campaign.

Now Murderville- ya may have something there. Simple and to the point. Good for t-shirts, bumperstickers. Small, tasteful lapel pins. Only problem that I see with this, Riveree, is that there are so many innocents killed. I think that we need to somehow expand the theme.

Maybe just the word Jacksonville, with the letters "ll" replaced with bullets.