Florida is a popular tourist destination, known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions. However, not all places in the Sunshine State are safe and welcoming. Some towns and cities in Florida have high rates of crime and violence, making them risky for visitors and residents alike. Here are four Florida destinations that have been named among the most dangerous towns in the US, based on data from the FBI and other sources.
Lake City
Situated in northern Florida, Lake City is a small town with one of the highest crime rates in the state. With a population of about 12,000, Lake City has a violent crime rate of 15.74 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 51.85 per 1,000 residents. This means that one in 64 residents has a chance of being a victim of a violent crime, and one in 19 has a chance of being a victim of a property crime. Lake City’s crime problem is linked to factors such as poverty, drug abuse, and gang activity.
Riviera Beach
Located along the coast in Palm Beach County, Riviera Beach has gained a reputation as one of Florida’s most perilous places. With a population of about 38,000, Riviera Beach has a violent crime rate of 11.53 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 29.99 per 1,000 residents. This means that one in 87 residents has a chance of being a victim of a violent crime, and one in 33 has a chance of being a victim of a property crime. Riviera Beach’s crime issue is worsened by factors such as unemployment, lack of education, and racial tension.
Lauderhill
Lauderhill is a city in Broward County, near Fort Lauderdale. With a population of about 72,000, Lauderhill has a violent crime rate of 9.48 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 34.43 per 1,000 residents. This means that one in 106 residents has a chance of being a victim of a violent crime, and one in 29 has a chance of being a victim of a property crime. Lauderhill’s crime situation is influenced by factors such as low income, high population density, and social disorder.
Panama City
Panama City is a small city on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s panhandle. With a population of about 34,000, Panama City has a violent crime rate of 9.55 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 42.21 per 1,000 residents. This means that one in 105 residents has a chance of being a victim of a violent crime, and one in 24 has a chance of being a victim of a property crime. Panama City’s crime challenge is exacerbated by factors such as tourism, alcohol consumption, and homelessness.
Conclusion
Florida is a state that offers many attractions and opportunities for visitors and residents. However, it also has some of the most dangerous towns and cities in the country, where crime and violence are prevalent. These four destinations are examples of places that travelers and locals should avoid or be cautious of, as they pose significant risks to their safety and well-being. While Florida has many positive aspects, it also has some dark sides that should not be ignored.