TAMPA, Florida — Businesses in Ybor City are struggling after a shooting that killed two people and injured 16 others over the Halloween weekend.
Business owners said since the shooting, the amount of people out and about in Ybor City is way down. As businesses struggle, they are looking for solutions.
"They shouldn’t be closing 7th Avenue and the crossing streets," said Eric Schiller, owner of Gaspar's Grotto. "There’s no point to it."
Schiller said sales have slumped since the shooting eight days ago.
He believes a great way to limit crime would be to allow cars to drive on all Ybor streets throughout the night. As it stands now, the parts of 7th Avenue close late at night.
"The main reason for that closure is when thousands of people come out of those clubs, there’s a place for them to come out," Tampa Chief of Police Lee Bercaw said.
Business owners explained they witnessed underage kids partying within those barricades.
"It creates a street party," Schiller said. "We can’t use a street party."
A discussion of a curfew was met with opposition during a city council meeting. Schiller believes the way a curfew could benefit businesses would be if it was just for minors.
"They have no money. They can’t get into the clubs anyway."
Schiller hopes the city council considers his changes to secure safety and improve business.
"I hope the people who are in charge make policy listen carefully," he added.
City leaders have not initiated any changes. The proposed curfew to close business at 1 a.m. was met with backlash. Council said as the investigation continues, they plan to decide with more information.