News Summary
Community members in Tallahassee gathered at the Strikers Youth Arts Project for a forum on gun violence organized by the Urban League and the Leon County Council on the Status of Men and Boys. Local leaders and law enforcement discussed strategies to enhance safety and prevent gun violence. With recent shootings increasing fears, the forum emphasized education and open dialogue as crucial steps towards solutions. This is the first in a series of forums planned to engage residents in shaping safety measures. The next meeting is set for September 25.
Tallahassee community members convened at the Strikers Youth Arts Project to address escalating concerns over gun violence during a recent forum organized by the Urban League and the Leon County Council on the Status of Men and Boys. The event brought together local leaders and law enforcement officials to brainstorm effective strategies to prevent gun violence and enhance community safety.
One of the forum’s key speakers, Deputy Paxton Rogers from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, underscored the vital role of education in diminishing gun violence rates. Curtis Taylor, President of the Tallahassee Urban League, emphasized the necessity of moving beyond sensational media headlines to formulate real solutions for the rising issue of gun violence in the community. Royle King, executive director for the Council on the Status of Men and Boys, reiterated the importance of training and education, particularly in neighborhoods adversely affected by gun violence.
The discussions sought to create an open dialogue about the seriousness of gun laws and associated issues surrounding gun ownership. The forum also served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns regarding safety in the wake of several recent shootings in Tallahassee. Deputy Rogers noted the enduring consequences of gun violence, stating the profound impact even a single act of aggression could have on a community.
This forum is the first in a series aimed at engaging the community in educational discussions about gun violence, with subsequent forums already planned. The next meeting is scheduled for September 25, providing residents with further opportunities to participate in shaping safety measures within their neighborhood.
The urgency of these discussions has been amplified by recent violent incidents in Tallahassee, where four people have lost their lives and at least three more have been injured across multiple shootings in 2025. Notably, a shooting involving a juvenile male hospitalized on Sunburst Loop and another incident later that night on Mabry Street, resulting in a man’s fatal gunshot wound, have particularly rattled the community.
Despite a reported 15.5% decrease in violent crime from October 2023 to September 2024, residents are expressing heightened fears for their safety, as the recent surge in shootings counters this overall trend. Personal accounts from those living in the area reflect a growing sense of insecurity and distress arising from the violence. An alarming incident reported a Rickards High School student injured by what was labeled as a stray bullet while at Jack McLean Park.
Ongoing law enforcement investigations aim to address and curtail the rise in gun violence, although citizens are beginning to question the effectiveness of current strategies. The broader context of this problem is highlighted by at least 16 deaths and more than two dozen injuries linked to 42 serious shootings in the city so far this year.
In response to the upward trend in violence, the Tallahassee Police Department is working to increase the number of sworn officers by 5% in a bid to enhance crime-fighting efforts. Community forums like this aim to empower residents with knowledge and create confidence in approaches to restore safety in their neighborhoods.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tallahassee Residents on High Alert as Crime Rates Surge
Minnesota’s Legislature Faces Gun Control Debate
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: TMH Doctor’s Plea to Community
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- WTXL: Urban League Hosts Community Forum
- Google Search: Gun Violence Prevention Strategies
- The Famuan: Tallahassee’s Rising Gun Violence
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Trends
- Tallahassee.com: Gunfire at Jack McLean Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence Law
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
