District 1 Community Forum Set For Thursday

A community forum addressing public safety in District 1 is expected to be well attended Thursday following a

District 1 City Commissioner Willie Shaw and District 1 County Commissioner Carolyn Mason will host a community forum Thursday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the .

The forum was announced Monday morning — before the shooting that evening.

Updates will be provided on current City and County projects within District 1, including the latest community efforts to improve public safety.

A featured portion of the forum will be a report by Shaw on his recent trip to High Point, North Carolina where he learned more about a unique community based initiative to reduce crime. 

Led by criminologist David Kennedy, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, the High Point community used a multi-pronged approach to reduce crime.  The approach includes using local pastors, social services, health services, probation, and economics.  

Shaw will be seeking community volunteers to help launch a similar program in North Sarasota.

For more information on the community forum contact Shavon Reed-Agardin the Newtown Redevelopment Office:  941-365-2200 ext.  3221.