The I-10 corridor serves as a major route of gang members for northwest Florida, coming from Alabama, Louisiana and further west. “We’re getting the I-10 corridor drop-off effect,” said Morgan. “It’s the most dangerous highway in the United States.”
Red, white and blue are patriotic colors, symbolizing America. Red, white and blue are also gang colors symbolizing the Bloods, 18th Street and the Crips, respectively.
According to the Florida Gang Reduction Strategy 2011 Annual Report, there are 164 documented gangs in Northwest Florida, and 1,637 identified gangs in Florida.
Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said he has identified at least 17 different gangs in his county, and while the number of gangs has remained flat, membership is growing.
“The community is unaware of the depth and breadth of gang activity,” said Morgan. “We didn’t have any when I took office (in 2008) according to local folks, but in reality they (gangs) are here.”
According to the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment report, there are two-four gang members per 1,000 people, and two-four gang members per law enforcement officer in Florida. The assessment also reported that gang members are responsible for an average of 48 percent of violent crimes; in Florida gang members are responsible for an average of 90 percent of violent crimes.
The Escambia County Gang Unit works to identify the type of gangs as well as the members that make up the gangs.
The gang unit has identified national gangs establishing a local presence, local hybrid gangs and motorcycle gangs in Escambia County. While the problem is not as acute in Santa Rosa County, there is a presence according to the gang unit.
“These guys live in Santa Rosa County” said one gang unit officer pointing to the photo of about seven 18- to 25-year-olds flashing gangs sign and wearing gang colors.
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