Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 Source: Bradenton Herald (FL) Copyright: 2007 Bradenton Herald Contact: http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/58 Author: Nicholas Azzara BAD BOY BLOCKADE WORKS MANATEE -- Drug and crime activity is down significantly since the entrance to Bermuda 100 was closed in April, according to Manatee County Sheriff's Col. Chuck Hagaman. That's why it will stay closed for at least another nine months in hopes the trend continues. Officials in April closed the north intersection of 57th Avenue East and Seventh Street Court East - the main entrance to the Bermuda 100 neighborhood - to curb drive-through crimes, such as open-air drug deals and drive-by shootings. To that end, it has been successful, but not popular. "We're not seeing the drug dealers there," Hagaman said. "We believe the road closure is responsible for the drug dealing moving away. . . . Our drive-by shootings have dropped dramatically. Also, the few individuals in that community we suspected of being involved in gangs are no longer living there." Special Investigations Division officers during the past four months have made about 150 arrests in a massive street corner drug dealer sweep, Hagaman said. None of those was on the blocked road. But residents say the inconvenience of the closure is a "big problem," Hagaman said. Now, the only route into the neighborhood is at 56th Avenue East and Ninth Street East. County commissioners on Tuesday weren't convinced that a three-month sample was long enough to judge the success of the closure. They decided that the road will remain closed for the next nine months. "All of us want to help reduce crime. The question is how we're going to do it," said Commissioner Ron Getman. "Three months is too short a time. It's a good indicator, but it doesn't rise to the level of confidence. I support six months to a year to get a better evaluation." Added Commissioner Carol Whitmore, "I would prefer we close it for a year and see what happens. I don't like closing roads. I'd prefer seeing what happens after a year." Commissioners voted 5-0 to keep the road closed for further monitoring. Commission Chairman Amy Stein was absent for the vote, and Commissioner Joe McClash recused himself, because he owns property adjacent to the road closure. He said law enforcement has done a great job in the area. In April, three "road closed" barricades were placed at the north intersection of 57th Avenue East and Seventh Street Court East. The road was closed to curb the drug activity that law enforcement authorities say has historically plagued the community. Hagaman is expected to make another report to the commission in six months. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek