ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A special unit within the Orange County Sheriff’s Office could soon be patrolling International Drive.
“I don’t even walk to the store by myself, especially after dark,” said resident, Shelley Covey.
An Orange County deputy told Eyewitness News he has proposed an idea to create a special unit for prostitution. The vice unit wouldn’t be working just Orange Blossom Trail or other high traffic areas, it would also be along I-Drive.
The deputy told Eyewitness News on any given day, dozens of prostitutes are waiting to meet up along I-Drive at hotels, restaurants and parking lots.
While many calls to I-Drive are for theft and burglaries, deputies believe the uptick in that kind of crime is connected to prostitution.
The latest crime imitative was a grant for seven new deputies on the tourist strip. Now some deputies would like to see some of that money go to at least a few undercover deputies to help stop prostitution.
Eyewitness News asked the sheriff’s office if it might consider the idea to see if it would work. A spokesperson is checking for us.
Cox Media Group
