Lakeland is attempting to take on a growing gang problem.
Police believe the recent execution style murder of a Lakeland teenager is the latest example of the problem. Police believe both the suspect and the victim were gang members and the shooting was gang motivated.
"This is a whole different level than what we have historically dealt with in Lakeland,” said Captain Rick Taylor with LPD.
A few gang related shootings might be a typical for Lakeland. There were eight in the last half of 2013. Taylor said younger people were now affiliating with gangs than in the past.
To combat the problem, Lakeland city commissioner Phillip Walker has helped to set up an anti-gang task force. It recently held its first meeting. It includes police, community leaders, ministers and school employees.
Bay News 9 met with some of the task force members and community members at the Greater Refuge Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to see what they had to say about the gang issue.
All seemed to agree gangs were a growing problem. They felt residents were on edge.
"Because they are sitting there holding their britches. They are holding a pistol. They are ready to shoot,” said Minister Warren Wilson.
Everyone also expressed concern about what they saw as the breakdown of the family. They felt the gang problem went well beyond the influence of the police. That more needed to be done to combat the lack of parental involvement.
"We can do better than what we are doing. We have just got to come together,” said Henry Ross Sr. with the Refuge church.
Pastor Mike Cooper with the Dream Center expressed concern about the violent themes in rap music.
All seemed eager to help the anti-gang task force.