Cops Want To Cut Down Tree To Stop Drugs, Prostitution

[Champ]

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. -- Okaloosa County sheriff's deputies think they have found a solution for getting rid of drug dealers and prostitutes who congregate under a giant oak tree: chop it down.

The sheriff's office is seeking permission to have the tree removed from a county right of way on Cypress Street.

"We're not attacking the tree," Deputy Don Hess said. "The tree hasn't hurt anybody."

But Hess said it provides cover for drug dealers and prostitutes and their customers. He said 30 to 40 arrests per month stem from criminal activity at the oak.

http://www.wftv.com/newsofthestrange/3680045/detail.html

[tjwash]

1. LOL

"We're not attacking the tree," Deputy Don Hess said. "The tree hasn't hurt anybody."

Yep, we're just gonna chainsaw that sucker down, and grind the stump away because that's how Americans don't attack things.

[amazona]

2. oh for cryin' out loud

What did the oak tree do to deserve capital punishment?

Sudden oak disease is spreading and one day we will be sorry we didn't take better care of our oaks when they have gone the way of the elm.

[redqueen]

3. Has no one even considered putting lights around it?

I mean... that would tend to dampen that kind of activity, right? Bright accent lights?

Criminy...

[tjwash]

5. The activity will just move down the street...

...then the dealers and hookers will be hanging out in front of businesses instead. Jeez, where did they go, the Bart Simpson school of law and order?

[tjwash]

4. There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the trees...

...For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas

The trouble with the maples
(and they’re quite convinced they’re right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks can’t help their feelings
If they like the way they’re made
And they wonder why the maples
Can’t be happy in their shade?

There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream `oppression!`
And the oaks, just shake their heads

So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
’the oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light’
Now there’s no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet,
Axe,
And saw ...

[redqueen]

6. I never liked that song

I mean... I did at first... before I knew about Ayn Rand... after that I associated it too much with her and started to hate the lyrics at least. :(

[Downtown Hound]

7. Whoa, that'll show those those lowlifes!

There is absolutely no way these punks, these thugs, will ever be able to carry on with their criminal lifestyle once the tree is removed. There are absolutely no other trees in the world, there are no other buildings, alleys, houses, coffeshop patios, or street corners where they'll be able to do business. Cutting down the tree will solve all of the crime problems, I have no doubt.

Some cops are just unbelievable morons.

[Ilsa]

8. They should do what our city did:

build some handball courts in the city park for the drug dealers to hang out in. Very private, you can't see in, and no one ever uses them for handball. (Yep, we have teens and young people driving to the park, going into the handball courts with no athletic equipment, staying for about 5 minutes, then leaving.) Maybe they could provide some sort of bedding or chairs for the hookers in one of the courts.

[matcom]

9. heh

2 days old

but GREAT story nonetheless :D