Thursday, October 22, 2015—Councilman Jimmie L. Williams, III hosted a press conference to address the recent increase in gun violence in the Southwest District of Homestead and Florida City. Along with local pastors, community leaders, and families of gun violence victims, Councilman Williams called for an end to violence in the community.
Pastor Michael Stiles of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, located on 4th Avenue in the Southwest District, preceded Councilman Williams with a prayer for the community. Residents from the Southwest Homestead area called for action from elected officials to put an action plan together to make the streets safer for the children. Karen Hilton, cousin to recent shooting victim Renaldo Clayton, shared her family’s history in the Homestead/Florida City community. “Whoever is doing this is not from our community, and I wish they will go back from where they came”, Ms. Hilton pleaded.
Councilman Williams chose to hold his press conference in front of a community funeral home to emphasize that if the current activities continue, so will deaths within the community. During the press conference, Councilman Williams outlined his recent efforts to increase community safety throughout the Southwest Area. His four phase plan includes a partnership between City Officials and residents.
For more details on Councilman Williams’ efforts to increase community safety and eliminate neighborhood blight, please contact his office at (305) 224-4456.
