TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Police want people living in the southeast Seminole Heights neighborhood to cooperate with officers and provide any information they have on the most recent shooting. Neighbors are also asked to pay close attention to what is happening along their streets.
Safety is clearly what most folks are thinking about. Some businesses are even taking it a step further. It is a delicate balance right now in Seminole Heights between vigilance and courage.
Seminole Heights Shooting: Church volunteer shot, killed is likely 4th homicide in Tampa killings
"All we can do is keep living," said Chris Necker, who got lunch at Taco Bus even with crime scene tape roping off several streets and police officers swarming the area. "We've got this, the Farmers Market down the street, the drive-in. We've got all these businesses popping up on Nebraska Avenue and if people don’t come out, if people don’t represent and say, I’m not scared, then we’re gonna be living in the shadows."
Taco Bus says people are still showing up in support. Managers are making sure employees stay in groups and are keeping a close eye on the outside seating.
"We were all in it together," said Necker.
The Guardian Angels, a safety patrol walking around Seminole heights every night, says they are keeping an eye on restaurants and walking customers to and from their cars.
The U.S. Postal Service is making some changes, instructing its workers to avoid areas where there is a police presence.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our employees," said Debra J. Fetterly, USPS Spokesperson. "Our letter carriers make every effort to deliver their routes as long as it is safe. We are keeping a watchful eye on the situation and will continue to do so."
"I live down here most of my life and this area has always been a vibrant neighborhood, there’s always been some shady characters," said Necker.
The shootings is one reason why the Seminole Heights Baptist Church keeps its doors locked and checking everyone that comes in. The church is scheduled to have a bible study Wednesday evening.
The church is also offering self defense and awareness training this weekend. Click here for more information on the class.
