We have a wonderful voluntary neighborhood association (completely integrated) and a wonderful crime watch (also completely integrated). We have the same problems any other neighborhood might have -- occasionally getting annoyed if a dog barks too much or if the trash cans are left at the street too long! Nothing racial. If anyone tried to harm my neighbors, hate crime or otherwise, I'd risk my life to stop them. They'd do the same for my family. If anything, our neighborhood in St. Petersburg (Lakewood Estates) serves as an example of how people of different races can live side-by-side in peace and happiness.
I would hate for anyone to think St. Petersburg is a hateful place. It is a safe and beautiful place to visit and to live.
I don't doubt that a bit.
I also don't doubt that no one is willing to confront this "small but very vocal group" due to Political Correctness (on the white side) and the fear of being branded an Oreo (on the responsible black side).
And that's the fundamental problem here.
Ditto...I know you're right because, as we've discussed before, we live in the same area of town.
No racial tension whatsoever, successfully integrated neighborhood for going on 30 years.
Here's an interesting article about the neighborhood (wondered if you'd seen this on the city's website)
http://www.stpete.org/nnlak.htm
I enjoyed your post.
I went to Diston Jr. High and to Boca Ciega H.S. back in the sixties.
I don't know what it is like now.
It used to be the old folks capital of the world but now the downtown area seems to have fallen into PC hell.