TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department heard from the community Tuesday night about what can be done to make the streets in Ybor City safer.
This comes after the deadly shooting over the Halloween weekend where two people died and 16 others were injured.
Community members in Ybor City were happy they were able to speak directly to the police chief and have their questions answered. Many people at the meeting say they believe the solution to safer streets starts when the community comes together.
"[We're] trying to figure out what we can do as a community to help save our youth," Niki Carraway said.
Carraway lost her husband last year to gun violence. Willie Carraway was shot and killed only minutes from where Tuesday's meeting with the police department was.
Carraway explained everyone needs to come together when horrendous incidents like the one in Ybor City happen.
"I think it’s important as a community we stand together and come together for solutions," she said.
About 100 people came out in Ybor City to meet and talk with police.
Many went up to the microphone to voice their concerns about the current crime happening in Ybor City.
One business owner said he believes a solution that would make a big difference would be keeping 7th Avenue open throughout the night. As of now, it closes at a certain time before the bars let out.
One police officer said this is to allow around 20,000 to 30,000 people to pour out into the streets and get home safely.
10 Tampa Bay asked Tampa Chief of Police Lee Bercaw about how realistic it is to keep 7th Avenue open.
"That’s the million-dollar question. We’ve gone back and forth on whether to close it or keep it open," Bercaw said.
Chief Bercaw explained that 7th Avenue has closed down around 2:30 a.m. the past two weeks. He is considering changing the closure hours.
"I’m a proponent of keeping it open as long as possible," Bercaw said.
Another solution business owners proposed was to create a curfew for minors. Carraway believes solutions start with the youth.
"We have to teach our children how to handle their emotions and problem solve," Carraway said.
The police department said the meeting is about solving problems and the solution starts when everyone works together.
"Community policing is effective and works when you listen to the community," Bercaw said.
Police are still searching for several men who they believe may have information about the shooting. Investigators are still searching for potentially two other shooters. For anyone with information involving the case, contact the police department.