TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police Department is ramping up patrols in the SoHo District. The extra security comes just a week after two men were killed in a shooting on Howard Avenue.
TPD said officers always patrol the SHo District. People who live nearby say they hope this will deter crime and keep partygoers off their property.
People who visit the SoHo District say it's the go-to place for college students and recent graduates, but people who live in the area like Anneliese Meier see things a little differently.
“People wake up to go to work in the morning and there's someone sleeping on their porch. We've even had instances of people getting into people's houses and on people's couches like oh I thought my friend lived here. They don't know how they got there,” said Meier, who has lived in the area for over 40 years.
She said she's seen her once quiet, family-oriented area turn into a place for late night partying.
“Anytime I hear a helicopter I get worried. Something's going on. Do I want to go out and walk my dog right now,” Meier said.
Last Saturday night, it was filled with the sound of gunshots.
“I think the young people that were unfortunately killed, they were in their twenties. How sad, two young people they had their whole life ahead of them,” Meier said.
Now, windows shattered by bullets are boarded up and TPD is increasing their presence.
“I'm adding more officers out there because it's important to me that everyone feel safe and again its working the businesses and private lots and giving us the ability to trespass people,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said.
Meier said it's a great idea, but she wants to see businesses make changes as well.
“We have a consensus that maybe three a.m. is an hour too late. Could you close an hour earlier,” Meier said.
The 3 a.m. question came up several times over the last week. Chief Bercaw said that would be up to the community and city council to decide.