ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — New statistics released in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s annual crime report show that while crime overall was down in 2020, violent crime rose.
The breakdown shows that there were 1,285 murders across the state in 2020. That’s an increase of 260 murders from 2019. Statistics show a gun was used in roughly 80% of those murders.
What You Need To Know
- Overall crime in Florida came down in 2020, but violent crime rose
- Report shows there were 1,285 murders across the state last year
- Statistics show a gun was used in 80% of the murders
- There have been 23 homicides and 230 non-fatal shootings in Tampa so far this year
It’s a trend that has continued into 2021, as both Tampa and St. Pete are seeing an increase in gun violence. So far this year, 23 homicides and 230 non-fatal shootings have been recorded in the city of Tampa. In St. Petersburg, residents and city leaders have been rallying against gun violence.
St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway says the uptick in violence can’t be pegged to any one reason.
“The pandemic may have a lot to do with it, coping skills may have a lot to do with it and overall people just not being able to communicate with each other,” he said. “That’s what we have to start working on, resolving problems without picking up a gun.”
Non-violent crimes, such as burglaries and robberies, fell roughly 17% statewide last year.
Overall, the crime rate fell roughly 16% in 2020.