With the 2013 year a little more than halfway over, the Sulphur Springs community has seen its share of violent crimes. There were two separate shootings this week, a day a part, and Tampa Police say a lack of cooperation has made their jobs difficult.

Tampa Police spokesperson, Janelle McGregor, the last three shootings in the Sulphur Springs area may stem from some prior criminal activity, and none of them were random incidents.

“We’re still trying to see if any of the victims know each other, and if the incidents are related.

“It’s hard to determine that when the victims won’t talk to the detectives and give them anything that will lead to an arrest. In situations like this, we have to rely on latent investigations, and tips from the community.”

McGregor said illegal drug activity may be responsible for some of the shootings.

“So far this year, there have been 13 aggravated battery incidents. By this time last year, we had 17, but for some, it may seem like more, because they’ve happened so close together.”

Sulphur Springs Community leaders, Joseph and Norma Robinson, said every community has issues to deal with.

“We hear different things, and there are good and bad things going on,” said Mr. Robinson.

“I’m not going to point fingers, and there has been a lot of progress made. We have to be mindful of the great things we’ve accomplished, and people have to stay positive.”

Mr. Robinson said they all believe Mayor Buckhorn has stepped up and done a great job in helping them restore their community, and they all appreciate it.

“As with all things, time will tell. We have to just live from now until we see the changes.

“The focus is now on the people and it’s nice to have resources available that weren’t here before. The police are addressing the violence, and we just keep talking about change. We believe Sulphur Springs is on the way up.”