People love Florida’s warm beaches, theme parks, and wide range of cultures. But some of the most dangerous and crime-filled places in the country are in this state. The FBI’s most recent data shows that Florida has the third-highest serious crime rate in the country, just behind Alaska and New Mexico.
Some of the most notoriously dangerous places for crime are in big cities like Miami, Jacksonville, and Orlando. However, there is a small town that has recently become the second-most dangerous place in the state, even more dangerous than some of the state’s biggest cities. That town is Pahokee, which is in Palm Beach County and is a country area with about 6,000 people.
Why does Pahokee pose such a threat?
Some people in Pahokee have been poor, out of work, and having social issues for many years. The U.S. Census Bureau says that 40.9% of people in Pahokee are poor, which is more than double the state average of 15.4%. A family in Pahokee makes an average of $26,731, which is less than half of the state average of $59,227. The jobless rate in Pahokee is 10.6%, which is higher than the 4.8% rate across the state.
These tough economic times have made Pahokee a more violent and crime-prone place. In 2019, Pahokee had a violent crime rate of 2,025.6 per 100,000 people, which was the second-highest rate in the state. The rate in Florida City was 2,776.8, which was the highest rate in the state. For 2019, 11 people were killed in Pahokee, giving it the state’s highest murder rate (183.3 per 100,000 people). In 2019, the death rate across the whole country was 5 per 100,000 people.
Gang activity, drug trafficking, domestic disputes, and a lack of police tools are some of the things that have made Pahokee so violent. Pahokee is close to Lake Okeechobee, which is a big spot where drugs come into the U.S. illegally from Mexico and Central America. Different areas in Pahokee have a history of fighting, such as between the Muck City and the Ridge, which has led to shootings and deaths. Also, Pahokee only has 12 police officers who roam the town, which is not very many.
What’s being done to make things better?
Even though the numbers are bad, there are some signs that things are getting better in Pahokee. The town just got some funds from the federal government and the state to help with infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth. As an example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave Pahokee $1.4 million to improve its sewer and water systems. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity also gave Pahokee a $500,000 grant to help improve and add to its central area.
Additionally, several local projects and groups are trying to lower crime and violence in Pahokee. The Pahokee Promise is one of them. It is a group of community leaders, faith-based groups, and nonprofits working together to help at-risk families and kids by guiding, educating, and supporting them. The high school football team in town, the Pahokee Blue Devils, is another one. It has produced several NFL stars and given many young men a positive outlet and a chance to follow their goals.
In conclusion
The small Florida town of Pahokee has been having a terrible time with crime and violence for years now. Some of the biggest rates of poverty, unemployment, and murder in the state are in this town, which has also been having trouble with its economy and society. This is not the end of the story for Pahokee, though. Some things can be done to make things better and make the town a safer and better place to live. More help, money, and care should be given to Pahokee from the rest of the state and the country. Pahokee is a town that needs a chance to fix its issues and reach its full potential.