LEON CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

For fear of retaliation, Catrina and Felicia don’t want their last names used, but both women said there is a growing problem in their community with gang violence.

“The problem is there is a gang in Progress Village that has an ongoing feud with kids in Clair-Mel, and things have gotten really violent lately,” said the two women.

One particular incident both women point to occurred three weeks ago at the Red Lobster Restaurant in Brandon.

According to Catrina, her son was waiting along with a friend to be seated when a group of young men from Progress Village walked in.

“They walked past my son and his friend, then turned around and attacked them for no reason,” said Catrina.

“There were about five young men involved, and the personnel at the restaurant did nothing to stop it. Deputies were called, and came to see what was going on.”

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the restaurant about a disturbance, but when they arrived, nothing was going on and no report was taken.

Catrina said her son had to be hospitalized, and his friend was also treated at the hospital.

“Most of the boys involved in this are juveniles, so they don’t really get punished,” said Catrina. “We’re afraid this will escalate into something that will cost someone their life, and that’s so stupid. Someone has to get these kids under control before they get hurt, or hurt someone else.”

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit said they haven’t identified any known gangs in that area, but are aware of small groups of teenagers causing problems.