Riot ... Rumble .................. Disturbance ?
When does a Signal 22 (disturbance) become a riot or a rumble?
When you live in the neighborhood of South Middle River!
I recieved this disturbing e-mail from a man that lives in a townhouse at the corner where the "riot" occured this past Wednesday evening.
The letter speaks for itself -
Hello Tim:
Thank-you for calling earlier this evening to ask me about the "riot" that took place in the street in front of our home the evening of Wednesday December 14, 2011.
I attached all of the photos that I took. Unfortunately they're of VERY poor quality.
My intent was to email them to Chief Frank Adderley. I didn't send any of them to him at the time because I was so disappointed in how poorly they came out. I took these photos between roughly 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM on Wednesday December 14, 2011.
You didn't ask me for this timeline information but I will provide it, in case it helps with anything.
5:45 PM:
I arrived home from my job at Imperial Point Medical Center. I drove into my garage and as I usually do, walked out to my mailbox to get my mail.
Looking East down NW 11th Street toward Andrews, I saw a large crowd of mostly young people walking west-bound, toward the intersection in front of my townhome at NW 11th Street and NW 2nd Avenue. There were already some kids gathered in the middle of the street ahead of them, near me, and I overheard them saying something about a big fight and "here they come" and things of the sort. Because it was such a large crowd approaching, I became a little fearful and decided it was best if I go in the house and close the garage door.
I went upstairs and watched as the crowd approached, from our second floor bedroom window. There were kids as young as roughly 10 or 12 years old right up to adults, but most of them were in their mid to late teens, by my estimate. As I get older it seems as if "kids" look younger and younger all the time. LOL!
As the crowd started to gather, there were LOTS of explatives exchanged between them. It was starting to get dark. Some came into the intersection with pieces of tree branches and they were swinging them, others were swinging their fists and showing various gestures of aggression toward each other. I counted somewhere between 40 and 50 in the intersection, every single one of them black, if that's relevant.
6:02 PM: As the crowd grew and the levels of aggression seemingly escalating, I grew increasingly frustrated, angry and fearful for my property, so I decided it was time to call 911. While I was on the phone with the 911 operator, one of the females removed her shirt and was standing there in her bra, with fists drawn, ready to fight. I told the 911 operator what I was seeing. The 911 operator asked me if I thought anyone needed paramedics. I told her not so far or something like that, but that we needed the police to come break this up. She asked me if I would like an officer to follow-up with me and I told her "yes, I would" so I provided my name and my phone number to call me back. As of the time of writing this email on Friday night, no one has yet to do that follow-up with me. So much for customer service!!
Anyhow, it was only a matter of minutes before a Fort Lauderdale police cruiser drove up NW 11th Street, west-bound, from Andrews. I was pleased they arrived as quickly as they did. The cruiser's emergency lights were on and he toggled the siren on and off. The crowd dispersed like cockroaches. However, I quickly became very disappointed in the officer's actions; the officer never so much as stopped or got out of the cruiser. He simply turned right onto NW 2nd Avenue, proceeding north toward NW 13th Street, and drove out of sight. No sooner was he gone the crowd was back in the middle of the street again, just as many as was there before the cruiser drove through. I thought to myself, "yeah, that was real helpful. Thank-you Fort Lauderdale police for protecting my neighborhood." I was very disgusted.
You don't see very many people in some of the photos because they were either between me and the tree, making for a poor camera angle, running away from the police as they approached, or was trying to avoid me when they saw the flash flashing.
The crowd was thick in the middle of the intersection and the cars trying to get through had to stop in the middle of the street, blowing their horns to get them to move out of the way; they paid absolutely no attention to the cars whatsoever. That's when a white car drove up NW 11th street the same direction as the first cruiser did. But instead of trying to drive through the crowd, they surprised me (and them) by turning on their emergency lights and three policemen got out of the car. It was an unmarked police vehicle. The officers started yelling at the crowd and the crowd once again scattered like cockroaches when one turns on a light.
By the time it was all said and done, I think the police came and left three or four times before they finally figured out that the crowd just kept coming back as soon as they left, so then a cruiser lingered in the middle of the intersection for quite some time and it was finally all over.
The whole incident was quite frightening.
If I may editorialize before I close, we moved to this spot approximately two years ago from Dorsey Riverbend. We lived on NW 2nd Street across from Dixie Court for almost 8 years. I was friends or at least aquaintances with several of the neighbors there, but I thought when we moved to NW 11th Street and NW 2nd Avenue, that we were finally moving to what I thought was at least a somewhat better neighborhood. Much to my huge disappointment, it's worse.....MUCH WORSE.
In two years I've experienced being chased by two kids on bicycles, trying to knock me off of my bike yelling, "hey that's my bike, give it back", getting shot at in my own driveway by kids on bikes with paint ball guns, have had to clean raw egg yolks and egg shells off of our windows, have experienced someone breaking off our low voltage outdoor lighting we have along our fence, have had multiple plants broken off and killed, had the mailbox vandalized and mailbox pole sheared off at the ground, and frankly I'm sick of it.
Neighbors on every side of us have been robbed one or more times over the past year. We've lost several neighbors we were just getting to know because they moved due to their belongings being stolen and they were fearful living here. There has been several instances of neighbors' car windows getting smashed overnight.
I am so sick and tired of this B.S. I don't live in a 3rd world country. I live in Fort Lauderdale and expect to have some semblance of order, but I apparently have expectations that are way too high. All I hear from the police are excuses. Excuses that they're too busy. Excuses that there's been cut-backs due to budgetary problems and they don't have enough man power. Excuses that judges release from jail within 24 hours these underage kids that the police arrest time and time again. Blah, blah, blah.
I'm tired of excuses. It's time for some meangingful action. If there is anything you can do to help us, it would be most appreciated.
Thank-you for your time,
Jeffrey
NW 11th Street
Fort Lauderdale
When you live in the neighborhood of South Middle River!
I recieved this disturbing e-mail from a man that lives in a townhouse at the corner where the "riot" occured this past Wednesday evening.
The letter speaks for itself -
Hello Tim:
Thank-you for calling earlier this evening to ask me about the "riot" that took place in the street in front of our home the evening of Wednesday December 14, 2011.
I attached all of the photos that I took. Unfortunately they're of VERY poor quality.
My intent was to email them to Chief Frank Adderley. I didn't send any of them to him at the time because I was so disappointed in how poorly they came out. I took these photos between roughly 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM on Wednesday December 14, 2011.
You didn't ask me for this timeline information but I will provide it, in case it helps with anything.
5:45 PM:
I arrived home from my job at Imperial Point Medical Center. I drove into my garage and as I usually do, walked out to my mailbox to get my mail.
Looking East down NW 11th Street toward Andrews, I saw a large crowd of mostly young people walking west-bound, toward the intersection in front of my townhome at NW 11th Street and NW 2nd Avenue. There were already some kids gathered in the middle of the street ahead of them, near me, and I overheard them saying something about a big fight and "here they come" and things of the sort. Because it was such a large crowd approaching, I became a little fearful and decided it was best if I go in the house and close the garage door.
I went upstairs and watched as the crowd approached, from our second floor bedroom window. There were kids as young as roughly 10 or 12 years old right up to adults, but most of them were in their mid to late teens, by my estimate. As I get older it seems as if "kids" look younger and younger all the time. LOL!
As the crowd started to gather, there were LOTS of explatives exchanged between them. It was starting to get dark. Some came into the intersection with pieces of tree branches and they were swinging them, others were swinging their fists and showing various gestures of aggression toward each other. I counted somewhere between 40 and 50 in the intersection, every single one of them black, if that's relevant.
6:02 PM: As the crowd grew and the levels of aggression seemingly escalating, I grew increasingly frustrated, angry and fearful for my property, so I decided it was time to call 911. While I was on the phone with the 911 operator, one of the females removed her shirt and was standing there in her bra, with fists drawn, ready to fight. I told the 911 operator what I was seeing. The 911 operator asked me if I thought anyone needed paramedics. I told her not so far or something like that, but that we needed the police to come break this up. She asked me if I would like an officer to follow-up with me and I told her "yes, I would" so I provided my name and my phone number to call me back. As of the time of writing this email on Friday night, no one has yet to do that follow-up with me. So much for customer service!!
Anyhow, it was only a matter of minutes before a Fort Lauderdale police cruiser drove up NW 11th Street, west-bound, from Andrews. I was pleased they arrived as quickly as they did. The cruiser's emergency lights were on and he toggled the siren on and off. The crowd dispersed like cockroaches. However, I quickly became very disappointed in the officer's actions; the officer never so much as stopped or got out of the cruiser. He simply turned right onto NW 2nd Avenue, proceeding north toward NW 13th Street, and drove out of sight. No sooner was he gone the crowd was back in the middle of the street again, just as many as was there before the cruiser drove through. I thought to myself, "yeah, that was real helpful. Thank-you Fort Lauderdale police for protecting my neighborhood." I was very disgusted.
You don't see very many people in some of the photos because they were either between me and the tree, making for a poor camera angle, running away from the police as they approached, or was trying to avoid me when they saw the flash flashing.
The crowd was thick in the middle of the intersection and the cars trying to get through had to stop in the middle of the street, blowing their horns to get them to move out of the way; they paid absolutely no attention to the cars whatsoever. That's when a white car drove up NW 11th street the same direction as the first cruiser did. But instead of trying to drive through the crowd, they surprised me (and them) by turning on their emergency lights and three policemen got out of the car. It was an unmarked police vehicle. The officers started yelling at the crowd and the crowd once again scattered like cockroaches when one turns on a light.
By the time it was all said and done, I think the police came and left three or four times before they finally figured out that the crowd just kept coming back as soon as they left, so then a cruiser lingered in the middle of the intersection for quite some time and it was finally all over.
The whole incident was quite frightening.
If I may editorialize before I close, we moved to this spot approximately two years ago from Dorsey Riverbend. We lived on NW 2nd Street across from Dixie Court for almost 8 years. I was friends or at least aquaintances with several of the neighbors there, but I thought when we moved to NW 11th Street and NW 2nd Avenue, that we were finally moving to what I thought was at least a somewhat better neighborhood. Much to my huge disappointment, it's worse.....MUCH WORSE.
In two years I've experienced being chased by two kids on bicycles, trying to knock me off of my bike yelling, "hey that's my bike, give it back", getting shot at in my own driveway by kids on bikes with paint ball guns, have had to clean raw egg yolks and egg shells off of our windows, have experienced someone breaking off our low voltage outdoor lighting we have along our fence, have had multiple plants broken off and killed, had the mailbox vandalized and mailbox pole sheared off at the ground, and frankly I'm sick of it.
Neighbors on every side of us have been robbed one or more times over the past year. We've lost several neighbors we were just getting to know because they moved due to their belongings being stolen and they were fearful living here. There has been several instances of neighbors' car windows getting smashed overnight.
I am so sick and tired of this B.S. I don't live in a 3rd world country. I live in Fort Lauderdale and expect to have some semblance of order, but I apparently have expectations that are way too high. All I hear from the police are excuses. Excuses that they're too busy. Excuses that there's been cut-backs due to budgetary problems and they don't have enough man power. Excuses that judges release from jail within 24 hours these underage kids that the police arrest time and time again. Blah, blah, blah.
I'm tired of excuses. It's time for some meangingful action. If there is anything you can do to help us, it would be most appreciated.
Thank-you for your time,
Jeffrey
NW 11th Street
Fort Lauderdale
This is disturbing, to say the least, and like the homeowner writes "I don't live in a third world country, I live in Fort Lauderdale". If drive-by's by marked cars is all the response these residents get, this is a shame. He writes multiple robberies of homes on his streets. How can this inaction be defended? I was astounded when I heard homeowners state at September FLL CC mtg. they had unpaved (never paved) streets that made police access impossible in these neighborhoods, and a 'study' by Public Works for $300,000.00 or so would be made to determine what and where to pave. WHY a study? Hiring the contractors and pave the streets. The city has no sense of urgency in responding to the most BASIC of needs and services for our residents and taxpayers. Paved streets? Police protection? Do the police not want to deal with juveniles and paperwork? I am very sorry for the lack of peace of mind and quiet enjoyment of their homes. I'll close with this - if the current city commission is re-elected, as district 3 already has done, there will be more of the same till March 2015.
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Mary, what are your thoughts on community policing and the FOP's PAVE Program?
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Mary, you're not responding and that's not good.The voters want to know your thoughts.
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What are you're thoughts Ralph on moving your little train to Homestead?
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I'll stay on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, thank you! I'm a taxpayer and don't you forget it.
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A taxpayer but a felon. Go back to Tenn and face your charge. You are a fugitive. Time doesn't change that.
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It's time for us to start looking for better leadership by voting out several commissioners that are all too happy with the status quo.
Primaries are coming up on January 31st and they will be very important in deciding whether we get change or not. Get out and vote and if you can, get involved in the campaign with your neighbors by supporting who you think is best.
For my two cents, I've had it with the current do-nothing-because-we-have-to-make-everyone-happy mayor. I'm also tired of this out-of-control city administration. We deserve good leadership and there currently isn't any whatsoever – except to organize events on the beach – even when it means coming back to neighborhood problems such as yours.
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The current chief of police lives in Plantation. The prior chief lives in Imperial Point. This would never be allowed on a regular basis are more than once in Imperial Point, or for that matter Rio Vista, Las Olas Isles, Coral Ridge and Collee Hammock. The city as a whole must be a desirable, viable place to live, because when one neighborhood deteriorates, it spreads slow but sure like a virus. Then you are left with the isolated pockets of 'nice' neighborhoods we have now - Imperial Point, Coral Ridge, Collee Hammock and Rio Vista. The tax base of these handful of neighborhoods will have to carry the whole city because the property values are rock bottom everywhere else. The downward spiral continues as people are upside down and then either rent out or worse, strategically default on their mortgages. And the unincorporated areas west of I-95 that chose to come to FLL see their water, FPL and trash user fees increase every year, while property values diminish. We should demand better. Will we? Is this what the city needs more of for 3 more years, or 6 if they can serve out term limits? A laissez faire myopic vision of FLL that consists of these handful of neighborhoods and the beach? Not what I want. Those of us that bought years ago and have equity can move on, out of Broward and South FL, and maybe even out of state. I speak out for South Middle River although I live in District One because, as goes S Middle River, goes the whole city eventually. I hope Tim will continue to give neighborhoods a forum to post and share their problems on this site.
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Chief Adderly moved to fort lauderdale after his marriage failed
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Thank you Tim for bringing this out into the light more. It just seems that the police themselves were scared and didn't want confrontation. Their excuses that they didn't have man power due to the cuts is ridiculous as we all know that even in a good economy the people out number the police.
I just hope they realize that they are working for us,the people who are paying taxes every year. This was unacceptable and the police need to be ashamed of themselves. Not sure if I feel safe anymore knowing that they are scared.
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here's an idea - clear out all the people, have them take their important belongings - tell the military to use that neighborhood for nuclear war training - flatten everything - start all over
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Well, To me this is a symptom of our police officers not living in our city. If police officers lived in South Middle River and surround neighborhoods, I think something like this would never have been allowed to start to happen in the first place. If the cops are seen merely as exogenous suburban zoo keepers driving through working class neighborhoods in armored cars instead of living in them, this ugly scene above will be the result. Neighborhoods like South Middle River are increasing unlivable for one reason, after dark crime and lawlessness, and having hundreds of our Fort Lauderdale Police Cruisers parked overnight all over suburban neighborhoods in competitor cities does nothing but exacerbate the problem. I would love to see a map of the where our Fort Lauderdale Police Officers live. I'm sure we will never be privy to it for security reasons, but maybe it should be compiled for the Commission to see so that they can begin to organize some incentives for cops to actually live in the city they are charged with protecting and serving. Number one on the list should be no more take home cars and free gas for commuter cops that live outside the city. This will save lots of money and take away the disincentive of free gas and transportation. A lot more needs to be done, but that is the no brainer starting point. And if the reason the cops can’t live here is because of our dreadful public schools, maybe it’s time the city took control of the those as well. If our schools are good enough for cops’ kids, who’s kids are they good enough for? Anyone see it differently, if so I’d love to hear your logic?
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Charles- well said and thank you. Plenty of take home FLL police cars in Palm Aire and Imperial Point, although some are renters. If FLL police don't want to live or rent in S Middle River, I wonder why?
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Charles, I fully agree with your comment and strongly agree with your suggestions regarding the police – No take home cars and gas money unless police live within the City limits. At least this would be an incentive for them to do so.
Now how do we convince our City Commission and administration to implement this?
Perhaps we should challenge all candidates in the upcoming election campaign?
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Last night, Friday Dec. 16 I attended the Imperial Point holiday party from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Dolly Mancini Park behind Imperial Point Hospital. Hundreds of kids of ALL ages and their parents were there, some on foot from neighborhood while others drove (parking lot of hospital was filled). The current mayor and district one commissioner showed along with the county commissioner Lamarca for the district to say a few words, have a photo op with the wonderful leader of the HOA Betty Shelley, and remind everyone of FLL's 100th Anniversary. Would they show at S Middle River's holiday party in the same fashion? Would hundreds of kids and their parents be on the playground from 6-8:00pm on a friday night after dark? The elected officials with challengers are out and about to be sure voters vote them back in for 3 more years. No more than 10% of voters show up to make their choice. If you don't vote, please do on January 31 and March 13. You can register up to 30 days before either election. I live in NW FLL and am running for the District One seat so if nothing else, voters have a choice, rather than automatically rewarding the current commissioner with a second term because no one decides to run.
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I am so shameful to read that this has gone on for so long and not addressed Jeffrey if I was you I would demand protection and this serious problem convinces me even more the need for Community Policing with assigned Officers to Neighborhoods and the out reach that a Community Officer]s would do may have avoided these serious incidents being shoot at and chased down the street and having riot in the street is unacceptable I think this deserves Emergency Action by our Police and Public Officials
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Ray, when I tried to bring community policing to your neighborhood you didn't support it. I also recall you and your friend Cal supporting the PAVE Program. Now I'm sure you wish you would have listen to me
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Ray, your comment is a joke. When I met with you and Cal, you supported the PAVE Program and wouldn't support my community policing plan. Hate to say I told you so, but I did. I wanted to bring community policing to your neighborhood, you were against it and now you're asking for it. When are you going to make up your mind?
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Doesnt Homestead have a blog? Go away. You're more annoying now than when you used to steal a paycheck from Ft. Lauderdale.
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Sorry guys, I'm not leaving,I live here. I will be more active soon and my first goal is to end the PAVE Program Mr. FOP!! Earl, Mary and Lester are listening to me and they are willing to make changes on the new commission.
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You still have the same Achilles Heel. Everything is personal to you. But hey, I wouldnt like sand kicked in my face my entire life either.
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Great timing for a piece like this to come out Tim- Hopefully it will serve as a stimuli to urge people to GET OUT AND VOTE- election time is approaching, and I urge folks to be aware of the candidates that are running on a "trim the budget" platform.
I can assure you that Earl Rynerson and Charlotte Rodstrom (both of whom live in great neighborhoods) will try to trim the budget in ways that will most assuredly effect the Police Department.
We as a city should be budjeted in ways that will enable us to hire EXTRA uniformed personnel to be able to handle situations such as this riot when they occur.
District II has so many police calls that by the time all the officers are dispatched to calls in order of importance, there is not alot, or any to handle anything else that may spring up...
Therefore, I advise those of you that live in high-crime neighborhoods to choose your candidate wisely- sometimes "budget conscious" is not so glamourous when you"re afraid to drive down your street......
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Sam- the budget maybe could be trimmed but what is far more critical is hwere and how we spend (or squander) the tax dollars, fees and fines we pay to run city hall. Millions of dollars, and I mean millions, are paid in Change Orders on bond projects, i.e. Fire Stations, and CIP. Look at Sistrunk with over a million dollars in change orders to date, and they may finish in May 2012. Just last week FS 46 at Mills Pond, not a footer or formwork in the ground and $120,000.oo in site prep for soil compaction via a Change Order. And at least 14 more months of construction. IF the city continues to operate this way, property values stay in the gutter and more revenue streams dry up, we will not be able to fund police and fire. Separately thousands of dollars are paid out EVERY MONTH to the redlight camera company out of either AZ or TX via their lease contract even though they generate NO tickets. IF er could reduce the taxes, fees and fines that we all pay in as property owners, business owners, FPL customers, and re-allocate how those funds are spent, we could probably hire more police officers, or at least new ones as the others retire. The city has offered early retirement to any with 29 years of service over 55 years old, and almost 400 are eligible. We need to pay those pensions, not keep borrowing to pay them. So if being fiscally prudent and living within out means at city hall is not appealing to you, just watch when the millage rate has to increase and layoffs happen concurrently.
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earl was right,the police are our sevants. as a fellow member of the master/slave society, i get where earl is coming from.
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Tim, As usual you get all the facts before you put anything in writing..As the president of the South Middle River Civic Assoc, I personally have been dealing with this issue for 2 years. Not only that but on Wednesday, I drove up that street and entered into a mob of Juvenilles who proceeded to take aim on me in my car by a bombardment of rocks, sreaming out Rapist, Fag, Mother F'r, we're going to get you........Yes this was the scene I entered into and immediately called the police..The police addressed my incident and left with a good handshake...and a personal thanks from me...Major problem, THEY KNEW that this was going on since 7.00 am. Calls were made to 911 and the Fort Lauderdale Police direct from early in the morning till late at night...I thank God that my persistence and the residents who live there continnued to call and demand that the police remain there.. Each patrol car came, turned on lights and a little siren blast, and the juvenilles dispursed, as soon as the plice turned the corner the juvenilles returned in a rage....Finally Luis Alvarez had a patrol car stay there....What would the city officials say if this led to a murder????? This mob was angry, angry with each other, mobs of girls taking off their shirts to fight each other, youths screaming profantities, taking over the eniter neighborhood for the very last time...As a community we must find a way to work with the city and demand changes, we will settle for nothing less...A few years ago we were told we can never clean up 13th st, well we did that. I was told NW 3 ave, a street full of drug dealers and prostitutes could never get cleaned up, we succeded at cleaning up that street too.... We will work with the police, the city manger, our Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom and the Mayor...This incident was a time bomb wating to explode, should it have ever gotten to this point, absolutely not, but it did...We need to recover and bounce back stronger than ever.. We need all the support we can get and uniting with our sister neighborhoods will help give us leverage..I am hopeful that this past weeks incidents will lead to a crackdown against crime in our communities...Thank you all for being so pasionate about our communitties, this is what gives us all strength and courage...Sal Gatanio
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Sal- Good luck working with your Commissioner- I attended the meeting the other night,and her behavior was un-acceptable-I sat across the room from her,and was astonished as she keep on speaking loudly the whole time she was sitting in the back- I had trouble hearing people speak at the meeting!
Secondly, It should of been HER who stepped up to defend your neighborhood-she made a lame attempt after former Commissioner Tim Smith so valiantly did. I must admit that I really miss him on the dias representing District 2- thank god he stays involved!
Lastly, I want to say how disgusted I was with Earl Rynerson-how dare he use that venue as a sop-box for his Mayoral campaign- he has been no-where in sight to help out,and doesn"t have a clue about us and our challenges-the only thing he has been successful with is sending negative messages to me,and many others that want him to quit E-mailing them!
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I thought I was the only one that saw the lack of leadership from on Commissioner that night! Dear Charlotte set the stage never briefing the District 1 Major of the SMR issues and left him in front of an emotional charged room to take the fall.
Thankfully Tim Smith put a stop to this very disrespectful display by the officers of District 2. They Major or their Captain was not in attendance.
I have attended 11 out of 12 Charlotte Rodstrom Neighborhood Crime Meetings which used to be known as District 2 Crime Meeting. Dear Charlotte has been to exactly 4 (she held loud distracting side conversations and text-ed during) of those meetings herself! Clearly, if I had a baby to kiss at that meeting; Dear Charlotte would have been puckered up, with the camera rolling!
Yes Earl jumped up to hammer the point the officers make to much money and don't live in Fort Lauderdale, okay we get it! What do we do now?
We here in District 1 have been trying to build strong relationships with our police. It is working.
Thanks Tim for giving us a voice.
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this is ridiculous. this is unacceptable.are we going to accept this?. what should be done, Tim?, Chief Adderely?, Mayor Siler?, Rodstorm?...the new City Manager?
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All of the above need to address this situation...We cannot move foward with this complete neglect..I urge everyone to get in their cars and drive west on 13th st to NW 8 th ave and make a right turn...There is an elementary school rated #139 out of 140 as the second to worst rated school in the city, at the intersection of 13th st and NW 8 ave... Drive north on NW 8 ave and see the horific conditions of this street, the absolute worst street in the entire city for decades, 2 murders in just a few years, mean and nasty hardened criminals, severe code violations, pit bulls locked in cages for fighting, drug dealing and strong armed criminals all hang out there, as i said directly across the street from an elementary school that has to fight to get pwoer corders for the broken down computers...This my dear friends is total neglect, its up to our current commision, city manager and Mayor to step up to the plate and make a difference once and for all or these incidents will continue to occur...
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Just when we feel as if some progress is made a situation like this street fight breaks out.There is still areas of blight, poverty and a third world presence in some pockets of SMR.We have made advances through the constant diligence of wearing down the criminals and reporting code violations. I always feel like I am working and paying for the peace and quiet most neighborhoods take for granted. But if we stay here there is no other choice then to keep fighting for gentrification. I know I am not running and have been here since 1979. I believe that improvements will continue to happen so long as we all keep the pressure on. Weekly community walks would be a good thing for SMR. It makes a strong statement of unity.
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Mounted police were originally intended for crowd control. Are ours trained for this? Just the presence of horses can calm folks down.
If the mounted force are trained for crowd control, will budget cut proponents reconsider this line item?
Long term, we need to tackle the causes of neighborhood incivility. How do we encourage people to become better neighbors? Good neighbors make good neighborhoods. Reply with constructive ideas.
January 31, we will have chance to vote for those City Commissioner candidates most likely to act.
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CJ Beck- Back during the last budget crisis due to mismanagement the 3 or so mounted force horses kept at Holiday Park, along with the experienced officers that rode them and cared for them, were cut. Were they reinstated? I do not recall but the line item for the mounted effort was small compared to other extravagances at the city. Sadly commissioners who live in nice neighborhoods would not comprehend why a mounted patrol was needed. However, I would be very upset to read if the horses or officers were hurt trying to control an unruly bunch like this group. As another wrote here, we must have neighborhood patrols who are in the same vicinity day in and out.
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Flatten out NW 8 ave..
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Have the Police chief move into your neighborhood. Bet they would have no excuses then. But Then again you could get shot by a stray bullet.
Have a house in Lake Worth I am trying to sell for the estate of my Aunt, The next door neighbors have opened the window pushed out the screen and throw their garbage out the window. The diluted gene pool has turned into a cesspool.
But we must accept this,or we are called crackers. They best not try to take my bicycle away.
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Mary, is this the type of commissioner you’re going to be. Why don’t you get facts first instead of regurgitating everything the Rodstrom’s tell you. Chief Adderley grew up in NW Fort Lauderdale, and still lives there.
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Sir- Sounds like you do not like the Rodstrom's? That is not what this discussion is about.
When Mr. Adderley had the unfortunate altercation with his wife and gun, he lived in Plantation. A quick check of the www.bcpa.net website does not list a currently homesteaded property, unless it is under a different name. No one here, including myself, questioned whether Mr. Adderley grew up in FLL or ever lived in FLL. FLL police officers (and Fire/EMT for that matter) are not required to be residents of FLL. Perhaps now that his divorce was made final
http://www.browardbulldog.org/2011/02/fort-lauderdale-police-chiefs-divorce-handed-down-sealed-up/
the Plantation home is no longer his homesteaded residence. In that case I am pleased Mr. Adderley now lives in FLL. He is the FLL chief of police.
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Another sad day for the City and FLPD
Look at our neighboring Cities and their problems with police union contracts.
The problem with the FLPD lies squarely on the shoulders of the City Commissioners and Mayors that during the past 10 years voted yes on outrages police union contracts that effectively handed over control of FLPD to police unions.
2006 After an extensive study of the FLPD by NY City Police Commissioner Howard Saffir he said the following:
Police Union Contract needs major changes…
“The inmates are running the prison"
"FLPD is open for corruption"
2008 FLPD Police Chief resigns
City Commission in new contract gives police union more control and money.
2009 30+ FLPD officers work off duty “Cops for Cash” detail for criminal Rothstein.
2011 FBI sets up shop and takes office space at FLPD police station.
2011 FBI finds corruption by FLPD officers.
2011 November, Felony arrests of two FLPD Officers with more to come..
2011 December, Corruption arrest of FLPD Officer with more to come..
2011 FLPD cancels last 5 and 7 of 12 meetings of Citizen Police Review Board.
Does the police union contract facilitate poor police performance?
Does the police union dominance of FLPD operations facilitate corruption?
Does the police union control FLPD?
Does Police Chief or union direct the FLPD?
Does the police union control election of City Commissioners?
Do Citizens, City Officials and Commissioners fear the police union?
Why does City Commission give unions all they ask for in union contracts?
ARE union contracts and officer corruption destroying FLPD’s ability to do its job?
The problem with the FLPD lies squarely on the shoulders of the City Commissioners and Mayors that during the past 10 years voted yes on outrages police union contracts that effectively handed over control of FLPD to police unions.
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Ralph Reil, you've written the same bs on so many emails why don't you just use your real name. Face it Hebert is gone so no one is going to listen to you
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What I don't understand is why the politicians are so fearful of the police union at election time when 85% of the officers and their families live outside the city. I think the Mayor and the Commission need to end free gas and take home cars immediately for commuter cops that live in other cities. It is a very large costly perk and is incentivizing cops to live exactly where we don’t want them to live, outside the city.
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i've lived in this neighborhood for 12 years. i think i've waited long enough for it to improve. excuses. that's all i hear. i'm so tired of all the excuses from the police. they never have enough manpower. well, then BSO should take over. They handle the dispatch for 911. Why not have them cover the calls if Ft. Laud. PD can't handle them all? i have been woken out of a sound sleep atleast 4 nights a week for the last 12 years that i've lived in South Middle River because of something going on outside my house ALL hours of the night. I have attended almost every crime meeting that has taken place and things are still out of control in my neighborhood. all of my neighbors have been robbed multiple times. i have begged for more police presence for YEARS!!! The riot the other night scared the *** out of me. I think that was the worst I've ever seen in all my years living here. 2 calls to 911 and 1 call to Ft. Laud to finally get a unit out here before my house could have been set on fire. That is just NOT acceptible. That gang of ALL ages could've broken every window in my house. i felt like a sitting duck with NO protection for at least a half hour that I waited and waited and waited for the police to arrive. when the cops came and left in five minutes I couldn't believe my eyes as I looked out the window. THEY were even too scared to stick around. that's because they weren't prepared with riot gear, etc. Just a couple guys in an unmarked car after I called twice and said there were at least 100 people rioting. Thank you Charlotte for getting in touch with me and making sure the police stayed there a while but when my neighbors in 1107 that started this whole thing were carrying on and making so much noise not one police officer went over to tell them to keep the noise down. by this time it was getting towards 9 at nite. i am simply amazed by the way the police handled this whole incident. I DON'T feel safe in my home and therefore I will do whatever I have to do to protect myself which is what I've always had to do living in this dump they call South Middle River. Sleep with my gun under my pillow and my big vicious dog by my side. hopefully some day things will improve. i hope i don't have to wait another 12 years.
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Jeff, Disregard any of the posts about the Union this or that, it's a non-issue.In the "old days" I mean back in the 70's, 80's, & 90's cops were not afraid to take care of these types of problems. Not that they are scared of these savages, but they know darn well, if any complaints are made by these savages or the people that condone this type of behavior, excuse me "venting" they will be thrown under the bus by their supervisors, managers and the chief. Why? because the people running the dept. are afraid to tell the public the truth, that these savages, ciminals, have no respect for themselves let a lone the decent people in the community. The more gold teeth they have, the more underwear they can show is nothing more than an intimidation tactic, that I'm sorry to say is working. Like I said in the old days a squad of cops would come in from differant directions and start kicking ass and taking names. PROBLEM SOLVED! If they returned they would get the same treatment over and over. You pay these officers darn good money, let them do their jobs and clean up the streets and stop your damn complaining about police brutality. Too many people are more concerned with police brutality than their own safety when it comes to walking down their street.
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I live on the same block as Jeffery. I did not see the riot, but heard about it within minutes of my arriving home. I've been concerned lately because of the growning number of kids that hang out on our block. They stand in the road or in my driveway and don't move when I try to enter or leave my own house. The situation seems quite dangerous at times. I have been robbed on the outside of my house multiple times since moving here 3 years ago. I hate my neighborhood and would move in a second, but value of my house is about 25% of what I paid for it and cannot afford to move. It really does seem like a 3rd world country between Andrews and Powerline from Sunrise up to 13th Street!
As for the police, they are rude and nasty. At least 3 times this year I have been unable to get home because they have blocked the roads. They provide me with no explanations and tell me to keep driving. When the clear single is given, they don't move thier cars and I'm still blocked form going to my home. When I've asked the police officers to move thier cars, they laugh and tell me to drive around them. The only way to drive around them is to drive over a neighbors gardedn. I'm not sure who's ruder, the kids or the cops! ... and who's paying for the police to hang out with each other after the situation has been resolved. Isn't there more crime to deal with?
We need help on our little block. Check the police records and see how many times this year the police have been called or have had incidents here. I too am sick of this. I want a neighborhood where I can walk my dogs at night and feel safe and have nighbors I know and can say hello to. WE NEED A GREATER POLICE PRESENCE IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD AND THE POLICE NEED TO BE TRAINED TO BE CURTIOUS TO THOSE OF US WHO OWN OUR HOUSED HERE.
Thank you.
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Mary, as we discussed last week, you need to attack the PAVE Program. When Chief Carter and I tried to address this issue then Chief Roberts would not support us.
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David, do you really want me to start posting the emails where you brag to Chief Carter about how you've accelerated the take home car so fast that Officers will get them as soon as they are off FTO. Also weren't you the lead negotiator against the cops for the last 3 contracts? Remember you were in charge of police and fire yet you did nothing
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Chief Carter and I never supported the PAVE program, sorry, get your facts straight. If the commission would have listened to me and Chief Carter there would be no PAVE and the union would be under control.
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Don't be a sore looser. You're jealous because the only job you could find is with Georgie. And because you don't have a pave car you have to ride your scooter all the way to Homestead. Had did it feel going from yelling at Roberts to being fired by him. And if Carter was so good why didn't you make him chief instead of Adderley. Remember you were in charge.
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Chief Carter is doing well with his new career.This sounds like one of the Union leaders.Just remember, I'm still a Ft.Lauderdale resident that votes.I'm supporting Earl for Mayor, Lester and Mary for commissioners. It's time for a new commission.
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David - thank you for being informed, involved and a voter. The city is at a crossroads, as are many in FL and the US. There are candidate forums scheduled for Jan. 9, Jan. 12 and Jan. 24 so far. Likely more to come, so there will be an opportunity for any voter to know more about their options.
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You are past tense. You and Carter are the worst things that ever happened to FLPD. You only had power by title. No one respected you. You were a 110 pound wannabe tyrant.
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I don't think so Mr.FOP. I'm still communicating with the officers and they understand the City can no longer afford the PAVE Program and they are willing to park the cars. Take a look at the gas bill at the end of the month.
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Let’s see: In the 2009 City elections David Hebert endorsed Prewitt, Trantalis, Teel, Adams and Glassman. You went 0 for 4. This year you are endorsing 3 who won’t win. Please endorse Obama for President.
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Really sad to see this coming back to Middle River. Around 10 + years ago this was common . Back then a group of us worked with Tim and the police drug unit then called the Raiders ( I think ) and we're able to have a large impact. We would buy large properties and work with commissioners and police to help re located many of the problems to government housing ( jail). During the time they were cutting budgets I personally spoke and addressed the then Mayor and Commissioners and told them if the budgets were cut and Raiders desolveded we would sell all investment properties and invest where the city and goverment officials would help protect our investments. Now I no longer own any property in the Fort Lauderdale area. Hopefully by banding together you can force the Chief of Police to take action . Should this not work I'll be happy to send my old bat back to the states (Fort Lauderdale) as I found it very effective when the police were late to respond back in the mid 90's
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we need a curfew in south middle river. all parents should be fined if their kids are out past the curfew which should start as soon as the sun goes down. that would solve a lot of these juvenile gangs hangin in the streets all hours of the night. WHERE ARE THE F*KN PARENTS??????
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Do you think this is N. Korea. Did you have to come in when the sun went down? Thats absurd.
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I am very confused at this point, the police have asked us for our assisstance in giving them locations and addresses where we see, think and know criminal activity is happening.. At times they are absoultely great to work with, this time they messed up, and they messed up bigtime... The time bomb expolded and the way they handled the situation is unexcusable...With that being said, I love living here, in the past few years I have met so many wonderful and passionate people who care about their community.. How many wonderful events do we all share, how many sister neighborhoods get along as well as we do.. If Lakeridge has a problem, South Middle River is there, If we have a problem, Lakeridge and Middle River Terrace are right by our side.. How many people can say that about cities...Now if our officials would step it up in controlling crime, crack down on code vioations and imrove our schools could you only magine what a great city this would be????? We all need to Unite and not point fingers, but DEMAND change and DEMAND it NOW!!!! I can't thank everyone for all the support and outrage over this incident. We will be in a new year within a few weeks and I can honestly say that this disturbance has not weakened us in one bit, it has made us stronger, more focused and demanding as all hell....It is a priviledge and an honor to see all your comments, keep them coming and let your politicians know how you feel in a dignified, professional and honorable way...We will not stoop down to any lower levels, we will rise above and celebrate.....
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David, good to hear you words, how have you been? Cannot you explain the Pave program?
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Charlie King and others: Even though the police do not live in the City, they get very active active in the elections, give money and work the polls and street corners on election day - just ask Jack and Charlotte. I've atended Rodstrom's so-called crime meetings all these years- she is a phony and only uses these to feign interest. What has she accomplished? She talks all the time and doesn't pay attention to anyone. She and the police are very much at fault here - very sad.
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Well, If the Commission wants to begin solving this problem, all they have to do is suspend take homes cars and free gas for commuter cops that don't live in the city. This no brainer move that will save lots of money will accomplish more than any other move they could make. Also maybe this can be a wakeup call for those who have not been listen to me because they don't care about our dwindling middle class, our unusable public schools system and resulting crime problem. Our city of extreme haves and have nots with no middle class is a recipe for long term failure and decline. Importing low income residents into Flagler Village to be housed in government subsidized high rises would have only exacerbated this problem. If we don't start incentivizing the middle class to come back to Fort Lauderdale especially cops and other city workers who we have the power of the purse over, this city is doomed in the long term. The need for usable public schools that we control should be evident in light of what is starting to happen. A young unassimilated third world underclass increasingly turning to crime and civil unrest will be our future if those in power in this city don't starting concentrating on the important things that the middle class requires like usable public schools, safer traffic calmed streets with sidewalks and crosswalks, strictly enforced anti panhandling laws and government subsidized public transportation instead of government subsidized low income housing that places an even larger strain on our defeated school system. If you want change as I do, I would encourage you to e-mail your Commissioner and the Mayor and tell them to end take home cars and free gas for commuter cops that does nothing but cost the city money and serves as a crime deterrent in suburban neighborhoods of other cities making our city a relatively unguarded over night and a target for burglaries and now RIOTS and RUMBLES!
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I moved down here from NY 2 1/2 years ago and have been amazed at the lack of police presence in our neighborhoods. Occasionally, I will witness a police cruiser speeding down a local street, but not once have I witnessed an officer get out of his or her car and walk the neighborhood. In NYC, there are policeman on the street in nearly every neighborhood. They get to know the residents and can readily react to situations outside the ordinary. The FLPD seems to think that driving through the neighborhoods at 40 mph will suffice. Obviously given our heightened crime levels - this is not the case.
Instead, I urge our city leaders to force the FLPD to dedicate a significant number of officers to patrolling - by foot - select neighborhoods - particularly downtown Ft. Lauderdale (i.e., Stranahan Park, Riverwalk, Las Olas and Himmarshee). Only by being present will the FLPD make a difference.
Lastly - enough with turning on your sirens and flashing lights solely for the purpose of avoiding the lengthy traffic lights. It's dangerous and does little to endear you to your communities.
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What's 12 years of your life worth to you and your family?
http://www.floridastatefop.org/pdf_files/floridamortalitystudy.pdf
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Tim first you have been doing a great job w/ your blog lately. That being stated i think Chief adderly(i know because he's black its all his fault)should lock every, again every one that took part in this riot. again every one of them -"lock them up." i'm hearing all this bullshit about adderly and this one etc. Please. i can only imagine what this cost the City in regards to Public Safety. and to David Hebert one piece of advice don't let Gretsas catch you blogging on this site. hint-'scottsdale' ring a bell.
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i guess you SMR's used up all your favors siccing the police on trying to frame innocent activists in your neighborhood as drug dealers and terrorists. may those oh so scary crowds of black kids menace you for a long time to come.
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Hey Nanook, Where you been? I haven't heard the name "Food Not Bombs" since the Occupy Movement came on the scene. Is there a difference between these two groups or are they part and parcel of one another. Is the S.W.A.M.P (Student Workers Anarchist Movement Press) House still keeping it real over there in South Middle River? Did you see any of this activity last Wednesday night? Just curious, from your prospective as collective renters over there, what do you think should be done? Do you applaud violent riots like this as part of your desire to over throw the American system of individual rights and responsibilities. Or do you think your goal of anarchy could be better achieved through the quiet riot of the army of drifters you are attracting and sustaining in Stranahan Park? Just curious, what is your prediction of what America might look like in 10 years?
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SMRCA might have more success in cleaning up the area if they understood that over 60% of homes are rentals and the owners do not live in the area, with most having no interest in what goes on with their property. Code, police and the SMRCA board working with these neglectful owners might possibly make a huge difference. Many years ago this momentum started to make a huge positive impact, only to be shuttered. It is time to get back to the basics if this area is to succeed.
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At the FLL CC mtg afternoon agenda it was just announced that the SMR president will be meeting tomorrow night with the mayor, the police chief and the city manager to address this incident. Hope Tim Smith and the interested neighbors will attend so we can know what is discussed.
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i don't think we need a big crowd. i think Sal will get our point across at this meeting. too many people will make it too much like a circus. we need one leader and that's Sal.
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I actually think we need more police officers/patrol persons as many are retiring, or will take advantage of the city's current retirement program (almost 400 city staff are eligible).
So new recruits need to get thru the academy and training to be on patrol. I heard there are about 400 police in FLL. For a city of 165,000 covering the unusual city geometry boundaries we have (not compact), is that sufficient? We annexed many areas in the west/SW into the city but hardly increased the police head count. I hope someone will raise this at the meeting tomorrow. Thank you.
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511 FLPD sworn officers allowed by budget
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Thank you. Hopefully new recruits are hired as the others retire. I recall back in 2003 when the threats of layoffs to police and fire were an issue, and some were laid off and no new hires due to attrition. The basic services we need, want and pay for - first responders/police/fire, and the dispatch of both, water, paved streets with streetlights, trash pickups, safe parks and neighborhoods are not that unreasonable. With an annual budget of $600 million dollars, we should be able to afford them, and could probably deliver them for less. Why can't the funds be expended prudently?
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Mary, once again get the facts first. Police Officers were are not entitled to the early buy out.
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Sir - FLL CC never stated in the commission meeting who the individuals are other than age 55 and 29+years of service.
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Sorry Mary, I assumed you read the back-up before speaking on the subject. My bad
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He was checking out a few "kids" in the park.
http://www.theledger.com/article/20111221/NEWS/111229904/1002/sports
In the past 20 years 7 Fort Lauderdale Police Officers have been shot. Yes an average of 1 every 3 years
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Tragic loss of Officer Crispin in Lakelend. Another reason why there needs to be sufficient police officers on patrol so backup is immediate. Years ago two officers rode in patrol cars together, so backup was always there and the younger ones were paired with more experienced. $650 mil budget and 511 officers. We bring in alot of money but how it is spent, allocated and squandered is the problem. Necessary and essential services are what property owners want. Millions of dollars in cost overuns, change orders and consultants is neither wise, prudent or desired by most property owners.
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Tim,
This is citizens' journalism at its finest. You are doing what the local newspapers have long forgotten -- given a voice to the residents of the community on issues important to them.
Buddy Nevins
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VOTE VOTE VOTE
THOUGH TIMES NEED THOUGH LEADERS
I NEED YOUR VOTE FOR DISTRICT II
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I have my vote and support.....It's time for change in District 2!!
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What the heck is a "THOUGH" leader? Is it a leader without an ejumacation?
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So Sal or Tim, either of you have any details from this summit with the Mayor, Police Cheif and City Manager from wednesday? If so let's hear it.
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Part of the decussion at the summit was don't let the officers do their job. When I was on the force, the blacks complained because we had them under control.Let's allow the officers to kick a** and this problem will go away. I can't believe you allow David Hebert to post on this blog, he was the one that directed our officers to stand down when we came in contact with an out of control group of blacks.
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The reason our police department can't address this problem is because of the NAACP and Calton Moore. When I was on the department we were told not to cause problems with black residents. Let's say if the officers would have given the group of trouble people the beating they desever, the blacks would complain and our officers would be in trouble.The question is, are the SMRC memebrs going to support our officers against internal affairs and the state attorney's office? Needless to say, the FBI is at the station now, so a lot of our officers are concern.We currently have officers being prosecuted and their defense cost thousands. When are the residents in SMRCA going to write those officers checks? I'm glad I'm retired, if I was there I'm sure a group of those bad kids would have gone to the hosital.
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Well, if everyone got treated the same irreguardless of race by the police and maybe code enforcement as well we wouldn't have the tale of two cities we currently have in Fort Lauderdale. One standard for all of Fort Lauderdale should be strictly adhered to in all matters, those that don't want comply can move to Pompano. If the city persists in the two tier system they should be the ones being prosecuted by the FBI.
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Will someone please tell me how to find SMRCA.Everytime I leave the station I get lost.
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Major Williams was always lost. Isn't this the guy Henert changed the rules so he can take the major's test. Good move David, this guy is still lost and it's not a surprise to anyone.
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I lived in this neighborhood last year and broke my lease to get the hell out of that area. Getting chased on kids with bikes, getting broken into and robbed, murder. Moved back onto 17th Court around the corner from your home Tim and the crime is better, but still too much murder, mayhem and 3rd world attitudes by both the residents and police force, so me and my partner packed it all up and headed back north to where civilized folks live. Move out of south florida and let the banana republic slide into the ocean of corruption, drugs, and murder. Run for your lives!
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Living at the corner of 11th St. and 3rd Ave., we too have experienced what Jeffrey described in his posting. But we began emailing and calling the commissioner for our neighborhood as well as the top brass at FLPD District 2. Our corner is RELATIVELY quiet with a few sporadic disturbances. Our neighbor woke up to someone in her house a month ago and this was the 5th time she had been broken into!! We were not able to make it to the meeting last Thursday night at the Iron Workers Union but you can bet we'll be at the next one. I would welcome anyone emailing me if they need or have suggestions on improving our neighborhood.
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Officials' solution to this problem is to build more Section 8 housing in FLL... Pack your bags.... it will only get worst!
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