We want help, said Lacoochee residents. We're here to do just that, answered social workers, bankers, clergy, educators and elected officials, but you must be prepared to help yourself.
The frequent exchanges punctuated a 21/2 hour community meeting Monday evening to kick off attempts to improve Lacoochee, the rural hamlet of poverty in northeastern Pasco. Statistical data tells why the effort is needed. More than half of the adults in Lacoochee lack a high school diploma, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. The county average is 22 percent. The median income in Lacoochee is just more than $15,000, compared to the countywide figure of $33,000.
But the socioeconomics are a secondary consideration right now. Still to be overcome is a genuine mistrust between police and Lacoochee residents in the aftermath of the death of Mike Reed, killed in a May car crash while fleeing deputies, and the subsequent June 1 slaying of Lt. Charles "Bo" Harrison. The suspect in the slaying is Reed's friend, Alfredie Steele Jr.
Sheriff Bob White continues to walk the streets of Lacoochee to meet residents, and Deputy Troy Fergueson agreed Monday evening to serve on a newly formed community committee dealing with crime. But residents indicated a greater understanding is needed.
"Our young people are not all drug addicts, not all rogues, not all thieves and I think that needs to be understood," said resident Celestine Bush Stephens.
Among the 75 people listening were representatives from the United Way, Pasco-Hernando Community College, the Pasco school district, the Harbor Behavioral Institute, Farmworkers Self Help, SouthTrust Bank, Pasco County Community Development, the Sheriff's Office, Economic Development Council, Dade City police, and local churches. Elected officials included County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader, Dade City Mayor Scott Black, state Sen. Victor Crist, and a representative for U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite.
It was an impressive roster compiled by Isa Blanford, a community planner for the Pasco Housing Authority. Attendees agreed to serve on three committees dealing with crime, commerce and children after residents detailed the lack of jobs for adults and recreational opportunities for youths, and worries about neighborhood drug dealing in the community of 1,345 people.
Changes won't be immediate, but the commitment to try is genuine. Residents should be encouraged by the support and they should embrace the effort. Failing to do so simply will continue the stagnant quality of life they are seeking to improve.
