Pubdate: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2009 Sarasota Herald-Tribune Contact: http://www.heraldtribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/398 Author: Roger Drouin CAMERAS COULD BE PLACED ON NORTH TAMIAMI TRAIL SARASOTA - Detectives are using detailed video from a surveillance camera to identify suspects who spray painted the side of a building on North Tamiami Trail -- and who are suspected of defacing even more buildings. A handful of property owners say surveillance cameras could help them battle other crimes along the commercial strip, such as drug dealing, prostitution and vandalism. They want to install a half dozen digital cameras along U.S. 41, using $3,000 in grant money, their own money, and maybe some city money, too. The cameras cost about $10,000 each. "A businessman coming to pick up a prostitute or a criminal wanting to sell cocaine would think twice," said Jeff Oldenburg, owner of a strip mall on 41. Police say similar cameras are deterring crime in Fredd Atkins Park in north Sarasota. "There was a constant problem with narcotic sales," said Capt. Bill Spitler. The digital cameras would be connected via a live feed to the police department. The cameras have a range of about 1,000 feet, and can zoom in and pan out. "That way if anything happens, the police department can keep an eye on that," said Jay Patel, owner of the Regency Hotel. Oldenburg has pledged to help pay for the cameras, but says they are just a part of what is needed along the North Trail. He wants to see new cafes, restaurants, hotels and affordable condos in place of the area's older, run-down buildings, many of which are vacant. "It's a piece of the puzzle," he said. Oldenburg points to changes, including a gas station being remodeled to include a Dunkin' Donuts along the North Trail. And the Ringling College of Art and Design has purchased vacant properties, including the old Shell Gas station and property at U.S. 41 and Patterson Drive, where an old Twistee Treat building sits dormant. The ice cream store has been vacant for more than two years. The college is buying land for a future expansion. "Part of the goal is to make it more of a cultural/ college corridor," said Christine Lange, spokeswoman with Ringling College. "We would love to see a mixture of young and old." The city of Orlando first installed cameras downtown a few years ago, and recently purchased newer cameras that allow police to get a tight shot of someone's face. Thirty other cities have recently installed surveillance cameras. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin