ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders met Thursday to discuss how they can address an uptick in gun violence in the community.
In recent weeks, several gang-related shootings have left two young people dead, including a teen and a 3-year-old boy.
Sheriff John Mina said no arrests have been made in either of those cases, but officials said Orange County detectives are working around the clock to address the recent homicides and gang activity.
"We have to spend more time and dollars in prevention, intervention, enforcement and then prosecution,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.
RIGHT NOW: Mayor Jerry Demings is the first guest speaker. Pastor Kelvin Cobaris spoke of his appreciation that the former sheriff “took time out of his busy schedule” to be here and called everyone’s attention to who didn’t. Notably, Sheriff John Mina isn’t here. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/5th3HOmNYB
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) October 1, 2020
Eyewitness News explored what those are, and what they would look like in practice.
Prevention and intervention are both about getting help to people who have experienced trauma after trauma, or feel they have little to no opportunity.
READ: Volusia County offering help to those struggling to pay rent, mortgage during pandemic
At Thursday’s community meeting, residents and community leaders discussed strategies to reduce gun violence, particularly in Pine Hills.
A woman who started “Stop It At Childhood Before It Reaches Adulthood” wants focus on what can be done outside of the home too. She says some parents like her are working, running businesses and parenting appropriately but battling forces outside the home, including at school. pic.twitter.com/SNhtLrVzj4
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) October 1, 2020
RIGHT NOW: Pastor Cobaris just announced another shooting involving a child has taken place in Ocoee. He says that the announcement came during this meeting. I’m working to find out more information now. pic.twitter.com/24Ebi5R1k7
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) October 1, 2020
“If we’re being honest, we all have one of the ACES of some sort, some sort of trauma, so we have to address that mental health illness with those youth, so we’re doing that, putting funds towards that,” Orange County Commissioner Reginal Hill said. “It’s about providing access and opportunity. I am currently a senior at Morehouse College. That wouldn’t have been possible for me without support, without an after school program and non-profit organization that sowed a seed into me.”
READ: Volusia County offering help to those struggling to pay rent, mortgage during pandemic
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