Basically, the men and women who serve on the cities police force are some decent people. The upper echelons, is another story. The officers only do what they are told. Unless it's a murder or serious crime against the elderly, there is very little importance attached to it.
We spent five years complaining to the city, the last mayor and this mayor, the police department (two chiefs), the parks department, city commissioners and anyone else that would listen and it has been a great waste of time.
We have supplied them with photos, license plates, house addresses, etc. All to no avail. I was told by a city commissioner that I should build a higher fence around my house after I complained about all the people looking in my windows, parking on my lawn, waking me up in the middle of the night as they screamed under my window either drunk or high. Arrests? Never happened...... Can you imagine this commissioner and her neighbors reaction if I pulled up in front of her house at 4 am and turned up my Bose 10 speaker stereo system? Or threw a bag of trash on her lawn, rocks at her car or eggs at her house?
A few years ago some cry babies complained that the losers that live north of the police station were being mistreated and targeted by the police department. An investigation ensued and they were told to back off. Never mind that they are the cause of the crime statistics. So, crime goes up, criminals snicker when they see the police and then there is the State Attorney. You can also thank any member or the ACLU or Thomas Masters, the local cry baby for the crime in Palm Beach County. Masters does not consider drugs, useage or sales to be a problem. He says he does, but don't believe it. His answer and the Mayor of WPB, Lois Frankel, is to march through the streets singing songs and waving signs. Yeah, that really scares the hell out of the dealers.. they are running to turn themselves in and rebuild their lives.
Barry Krischer, the defense lawyers best friend in Palm Beach County. In some cases individuals have been arrested as many as 17 times before they finally end up in jail. His excuse... one of many... "we need to keep the county budget at the jail in check" The county jail is never overloaded. Mention a person with celebrity status and you get his attention. He will spend hundreds of thousands to try and prosecute a celebrity! Funny how the country can spend $200 million on Scripps (not a bad deal) but can't add to the jail or build another.
When he runs for re-election no one steps up. The status quo is just fine with the lawyers that have to negotiate with his office on a daily basis. They know they can get their clients off with very little effort while they charge huge fees to the criminals. Most of them contribute to his campaign, wonder where the money goes since no one runs against him.
Mr. Krischer could fully utilize the benefits of his office if he was as zealous with all serious criminals instead of concentrating on juveniles or famous people. Granted they should not get away with crimes, but the fact that you can buy drugs all over the county is also a serious problem. One that he continues to overlook. We have several juveniles running drugs in this neighborhood, wonder if he knows? We already know he does not care.
Krischers office recently gave parole (no jail time) to a preacher in Delray Beach who was molesting a young girl for several years. Three years probation. What a joke! She was willing to testify to put the creep away, but Krischers office declined the offer.
A detective once told me during a crack house bust that the city relies on the Federal funds that cities receive for high crime figures. Makes sense. If you want the money, you have to have crime. On that note, two years ago I told the city that their crime funds would not continue.. of course they did not listen to me.. it was dropped this year as promised. Hey, don't want to clean up the city why get paid for it. I guess they thought I was just blowing off steam. Two phone calls and a note was all it took.
Another officer told me that if he could he would park outside the Palm Beach Mall and stop every other car heading towards the blighted side of town, the city would have a lot less criminals and illegal cars on the streets. He could park on the street in front of my house and take out 30 dealers.
It's pretty bad when you can drive down the street and see all kinds of criminals. Funny how the police never see anything!
The previous chief, Ric Bradshaw, now the Sheriff, was nothing more than a "puppet playing politician" the last two years he ran the WPB Police Department, so as not to raise any issues before his retirement. Always there for the touchy feely stuff but couldn't remove 8 crack dealers from one street in the entire city.
How in the world does he expect to run a county that is approximately 43 miles by 55 miles with over a million+ residents? He couldn't handle a handful of crack heads. The guy's a joke. His manager, Mike Edmondson (works for Krischer) spent the entire campaign raising money and on County time, wonder where it all went. All they ever did was private fund raisers in peoples homes. I would love to see a full accounting of every nickel. I bet there are more than a few missing. MIght be in the new million dollar house out in a gated community that he and his wife just purchased. Same place where he attended numerous "good old boy" fund raisers.
With Bradshaw and Krisher running the show, well you do the math........ WPB is 5th in the nation in crime for a city of its size. Keep in mind that Bradshaw was the chief of police, now the sheriff. By the way, do not walk anywhere near the street while in PB County, we are fourth in the nation in pedestrian accidents. Lots of hit and runs too!
Update: August 17th, 2004
The new chief Delsa Bush, has only been in office for few months and seems like a fine person, we thought that she would crack down on the criminals regardless of their social or economic status bringing safety back to the streets and neighborhoods while letting her officers do their jobs. We sent her 2 letters about the continuing problems, but no changes yet. We did get a letter from an assistant that said they were working on the problem. Yeah right!
One night officers actually came to the park at 8pm, rousted the losers and it was quiet for three days. Now, 10pm as I look out the window, I see the flicker of crack pipes lighting up the park like so many fireflies. Their newest trick is hiding the crack rocks in thin cigars or cigarettes, can't catch them that way.
Recently an auto theft ring moved into the neighborhood. Need your car stolen, just leave it in front of a city park with the keys in it.
Ten months into the Chiefs reign and no changes in the city except the murder rate (climbing), the crime stats (unless they count all those not reported or ignored by the police). The woman has proved to be nothing more than a token chief who was put in office because the former chief, Bradshaw wanted her support and that of the black community.
It's a shame, I had high hopes for her. Running a police department is like running any good business, you have to have good people around you who know what they are doing. I know she means well, but you can't let criminals run the city. It comes back to haunt you sooner or later. All we need is for a tourist to get killed anywhere near City Place and it all goes down the drain.
It would seem to the chief and the mayor that the money generated by the crack dealers is more important to the local economy than the safety and security of the citizens that foot the bill... and in a big way I might add. I guess this theory works judging by the amount of parents of crack dealers buying homes.
Update Sept 17th 2004
Curfew, whats that? Got to ride out Frances, guess who had no trouble running during and after the hurricane? Yes, you are correct... the crackheads. They were up and down the neighborhood during the storm, after and broke curfew every night. What a joke. Seems like the crowd is getting bigger, nicer cars, more business..
Ever try and call the drug enforcement division in WPB, their number is not in the book.... guess they are too busy elsewhere.. when you do talk to a detective, all you get is lip service.
Update Oct 1st 2004
No change, the crackheads seem to be enlarging their business dealings, a lot more activity at the parks and nightly traffic. The police should hide over in someone's backyard and watch all activity, but that would require some effort.
Letter to Mayor Lois Frankel, Oct 27th 2004
Update Nov. 3rd 2004
Well, the very misguided voters in PB County have spoken, Ric Bradshaw is going to be the new sheriff. Now, the rest of the county gets to see just how bad this clown is. Teamed up with his buddy, Barry Krischer, the criminal activity is going to expand out from the inner cities of WPB, Riviera Beach and Boynton/Delray.
Hey, if you are dealing drugs and no one is going to arrest or prosecute you, why not? To support their habits, robberies will go up, break ins, bank robberies (several a month now), shootings, car jackings and the rest. Bradshaw should be right at home, PB County has a top 5 ranking for drug use and aids.
Bradshaw will say the crime figures have not risen next year when he does his numbers for the FBI, the real reason will be: no arrests or prosecutions, same as he did for West Palm Beach. Current Chief Delsa Bush is doing the same thing. Does not want her officers to cite or arrest anyone. This way they can preach a reduction of crime or the status quo. One only has to watch the local television stations, read the Palm Beach Post or drive around the city to know just how ugly and unsafe it really is.
Good luck to the rest of you losers in PB County who were fooled by Bradshaw and his buddy, Krischer. The criminal lawyers are all smiling today. Life is good. By the way, that was a lot of money Edmondson raised. Where is it?
Update Nov. 16th or as we refer to it as: Day 11 - 10 shootings
Stay off of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd and Okeechobee Blvd at night! The crackheads are on the loose and the city can't do a thing about it. Shootings are nothing new around here, shots can be heard around the city almost nightly. They are finding their mark as several of the younger generation have lost their lives and no one is talking. Why should they? If they do, it takes all the fun out of watching the Chief scratch her head.
Basic police work over the last few years and the department would have had a boatload of information on the losers in this city. But, never going to happen under this administration. Bradshaw ignored the problem and Bush did until the press crawled up her fanny to see what is going on. So far they are not pushing her to do her job. All she does is ask for someone, anyone to come forward and tell her who the shooters are. Chief -"when you have nothing on them, they don't talk." A simple trespassing ticket, driving an unregistered car or loitering summons would have put them in the system.
I have 20/30 of them all dressed in black hanging in the park, only been 5 years now. I have more info on them than her department. Her and the Mayor blame the county for the problem as a local hangout that sits 200 feet outside the city limits is where some of the problems originate. Simple solution, stop them as they come out, on city streets.
Needless to say, if you value your life or that of your family, stay out of WPB unless you have too. The information officer says you are safe, only the drug pushers are shooting each other. I guess she never reads the crime stats each morning... oooppps forgot.. no one gets arrested in WPB.
Four blind mice, Ric Bradshaw, Barry Krischer, Lois Frankel and Delsa Bush
Stay tuned!
Update January 5th, 2005 Lots of promises by newly elected Ric Bradshaw
Picking up right where he left off as the failed chief of West Palm Beach, Ric Bradshaw made his acceptance speech like a true politician, promising to work with everyone, especially the PB County Commissioners (career politicians). No mention of fighting crime in his speech, just a lot of the usual false promises. I guess being the Sheriff now means that putting criminals in jail isn't important. Made a lot of noise about cleaning up neighborhoods and getting involved. Yeah right! I've only been waiting for five years in this neighborhood.
I love the way the politico's in this area all sweep the crime Issue under the rug. Of course none of them lives anywhere near criminals themselves. That would explain their "out of touch" attitudes.
Barry "swinging door" Krischer a big cheerleader promised to work with Bradshaw who he helped get elected. Rumors are that the retirement plans of many of the local officials are rather healthy. I did say rumors... food for thought though... lots of new buildings going up in WPB, not quite back room deals, but pretty close. Growing up and running a business in NYC, I know how the system works, it's business. I just wish they would all pay as much attention to the criminals running the streets of WPB.
The other day a local reporter mentioned that the former mayor was thinking about running for mayor of WPB again, ugh, that's all we need, Nancy Graham back filling her retirement account. Her and Frankel both act like being mayor is "Queen for a Day."
WPB needs a mayor who is looking out for everyone, not just herself. We still have two long years to live with "queen."
I'd love to check here financial statement two years after she leaves office.
March '05 - Update
No changes here, tried to have the "elite" drug force team to bust some heads and a dealer, but the dispatcher missed the crack in the cigar message, and they blew the bust. The fact that the driver was uninsured meant nothing or that the windows in his car were "Limo tint" which is illegal on a passenger car or truck, and the temporary tag on the car was bought from a friend, only been on the car for three months.
The team left and three minutes later five adults and four children were on the ground looking for crack rocks that the dealer dropped when he was standing next to a cop... who was totally oblivious to the fact that he tossed them in the grass.
They still come back ot the park and smoke every day, no big deal to them.
The saga continues... no doubt it will be interesting!
June 7th, '05 - Update
Over five long years and the stupidity of the WPB leadership continues. It seems that the dumber you are the more power you have. Its' gotten to the point that I only call once in awhile otherwise they would have to have a car on this street day and night. Not that any of them are going to arrest anyone. The stupid criminals just keep coming back. The same loser comes everyday, sits on his fat ass in his "new" SUV purchased with his drug money. Just amazing. This is the same guy the cops never seem to bust. Wonder why? In looking at the past few years it becomes apparent that the city would like to see this neighborhood rot. Nothing gets done without six phone calls.
I guess a proper description would be what the Mayor calls "a neighborhood for working families"... translation: "her servants need a place to live" Her majesty is considered one of the dumbest people in the city. She acts like she is a queen instead of a person who is supposed to represent everyone.
People all over Florida are selling homes and making money, but, not in this neighborhood. It's a great place to live if you want to smoke crack all day, form your own little group of runners and salesmen, and look out at "street trash" all day and night. All this while the Mayor and the Chief of Police, the second dumbest person in the city, are out partying.
June 19th, '05 Update
Well the fun is about to begin. The mayor is all of a sudden very deep in planning her re-election, well over a year and a half from now. She is getting a jump on her "war chest." ("Who wants to have me in their pocket?"). Lois, we have news for you. Money is not going to make it happen this time. The money may enhance your retirement fund along with whatever else you have been hoarding.
July 28th, '05 Update
More shootings, more killings, plenty of drugs all over the city. The chief and her assistant continue to play possum. They all think they know who did what to whom, however, since they have no information on any of these criminals, we just sit and watch.
Recent arrests by a Federal Attorney didn't even make a slight difference in drug traffic around town. Just another photo-op, loaded with touchy feely nonsense.
In another time this chief would have been fired for incompetence. I'm still trying to figure out how she got certified as a law enforcement officer in the first place. The oath she took to uphold the laws of the State of Florida must have gotten lost somewhere.
August 23rd, '05 Update
As if Palm Beach County doesn't have enough problems, Commissioner Addie Greene, stands up and tells all black youths not to stop for a cop unless they can make it to a "safe" area with lots of people around or "they will be shot and killed." She made references to "sheets," the KKK, lynching, racism, etc.
What a complete moron and shame on me, I voted for her thinking she was much more than a big mouth loser (actually the whites in her region got her elected). Resign Addie before you screw up more lives or get another kid killed.
The reason for her big mouth. A youth in Delray Beach was shot by a police officer, white of course, and she believes it was murder. The youth made a stupid move. He was driving without a license, here in Florida not a big deal, instead of stopping and being polite to the officer he gunned the Caddy he was driving, his uncles, drove it into a school breezeway where several students were hanging out at a local dance for teenagers. The officer felt that the students lives were in danger and fired.
It is a sad situation all the way around, nice kid who just made a dumb move. The officer, a rookie maybe did the wrong thing but he sure as hell didn't plan on shooting the young man. It's tough on everyone but jail time for doing his job? No grand jury in Florida is going to hang a cop or a citizen for protecting property and after October 1st when the "right to defend yourself law" goes into effect a lot more problems are going to plague this city and county.
So, Addie makes all kinds of noise, surrounds herself with the usual big mouths, Masters, the local head of the NAACP (National Association of Always Complaining People), and a handful of other fools from some black caucus group, who keep passing the buck to cover their lack of inability to teach youngsters to have respect for other people and the law.
Keep in mind that the worse sections of Palm Beach County are in Addie Greene's district. The WORST!!! Remember that when you are looking for a place to live.
When I complained to her about all of the above problems I've had she referred me to another racist, Ike Robinson, my city commissioner. You can see how much either one cares about anyone but themselves.
Three more losers from her district stole a truck yesterday, crashed it into a car and killed a young mother of three. Sadly, the unborn baby she was carrying was also killed. The losers jumped a fence and took off. The good news, they were caught right away. Just another sad day in West Palm Beach.
"We are working men and woman and we have shovels to move the crap you keep feeding everyone"
In my life two very well respected people told me on separate occassions that blacks are more likely to be racist than your average white person. One was Shirley Chism who I had the honor to meet and spend three hours just talking to one night when she came to south Florida for a speech. What a wonderful lady.
The other a gentleman who was the head of the National Bar Association. Both of these fine people had a direct effect on me. It's funny how Miss Shirley was not one of my favorite people during the Carter years, but five minutes after I met her she had me eating out of her hand. God Blessed that lady with a wonderful attitude and spirit. Its' a shame there aren't more people leading today's youth like Miss Shirley.
January 12th, '06 Update
Sitting here watching our police chief, Delsa Bush, tells a group of folks in Riviera Beach how to run their city, what a load of crap. She claims that arresting people is not the answer to shootings, murder, robberies and gang violence. That would fit with her ability to enforce the laws here in West Palm Beach........which she doesn't! Too bad we have another year and two months to put up with her living in a fantasy world.
Riviera Beaches Bishop Masters, still thinks that his plan to rid the city of criminals is the best one. Basically, marches, prayers and signs in the front yard.... and oh yeah...... turn on your lights at night. I tried that one, spot lights all around the house, ends up helping the crack heads to see the money when they conduct business. The city leaders have the right idea. Arrests, get to know the criminals by name and routine, crackdown on the drugs and gangs. Makes sense to most of the real world but not Delsa Bush and her assistant, Perez.
On another front, the Mayor, Lois ("my way or the highway") Frankel, gave her annual speech on the state of the city, proclaiming that she has everything under control (ie: spending our money and banking the funds from her buddies, the local builders. 9,000 new units in West Palm Beach supported by an out of date water treatment system, out of date police force and more traffic than the city and surrounding area were meant to support.
Lois assures the working class that there will be an effort to bring more affordable housing to the city. The truth is: there is housing and if the police department would clean up the areas, people would move in. This neighborhood has a few houses available under $250k, need some work but still a good deal.
The housing code specifies certain parameters for how many people can live in a house but since no one in WPB cares, feel free to move your family and friends into your home. Three bedrooms will hold 10 to 15 people easily. If someone comes around and bothers you..... just tell them that they are relatives. No problem. Operating a boarding house is illegal, but then again, if you don't advertise, no problem. Thank you Mayor Frankel for allowing losers to rent their homes or turn them into boarding houses........
To the Mayor: Take a good look around at the mess you made for working class people, the neighborhoods they have to live in because of your inability to follow the city ordinances, and laws regarding a multitude of common problems. You mentioned once that the city could not afford to take over properties because of the mortgage payments. Properties seized today could be sold in a matter of minutes. Collect liens owed and do it today!
You can't even deny being in someone's pocket. It started when you went to Tallahassee and spent those long lonely hours away from home hanging with your lobbyist friends. Call the folks who put flushfrankel.com kooks, it's okay, they don't mind. The attention coming across the wires in response to the site is scary. More and more people are stepping up and letting their feelings known.
As this site points to the many problems in the city that are never really addressed just talked about, more sites are going to pop up wanting to know why issues that are important to us but not to you are never addressed. If you had any kind of a background in law enforcement or business management you would have clearly understood that putting Delsa Bush in charge of the police department was a great mistake. No offense but to put it into language you could understand: "she couldn't find her rear end in a closet!"
Your time is coming and win or lose we are going to keep pointing to your inability to treat people like human beings and not like dogs. Someday you will wake up and realize that a good manager learns to listen then act. For you it will be after you lose the election. Whoever runs against in the election will debate you out in the sunshine. Trust me, you won't be able to handle the questions.
Where to eat
There are good restaurants at City Place, (Okeechobee Blvd just east of the Kravis Center and across from the Convention Center near downtown). Watch yourself in the parking garage.. some robberies, overall not bad though. City Place is a great place to walk around, people watch, eat or shop but, don't stay late!