Welcome to Apopka United Against Gangs

" Not on my street, Not in my neighborhood, Not in Apopka"

Criminal gangs steal and destroy property, sell drugs to our children and commit acts of violence and brutality that threaten the safety and security of our citizens. The number of gangs and gang members has been growing steadily in Florida for years. (McCullom, 2008) The City of Apopka and northwest Orange County is not immune to this threat, and in fact has active gangs operating in our community and recruiting our children as young as 10 years old into their membership.  

In response to this growing threat, representatives from faith based communities, government agencies, law enforcement, social service agencies, schools and community volunteers and activists, began working in collaboration to form Apopka United Against Gangs in May, 2008. One of the primary goals of this project is to increase awareness about gangs and what communities can do to prevent at-risk youth from joining a gang.

 

2009 Accomplishments

  • Launched Apopka United Against Gangs web site

  • Increased awareness through public speaking engagments with area civic, business, non-profit organizations and HOA's

  • Developed gang awareness brochures for: families, community and businesses

  • Initiated monthly electronic newsletter in August, 2009

  • Increased awareness about graffiti and how it should be reported

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  2010 Goals 

It's going to be another busy year for Apopka United Against Gangs as we continue to increase awareness about gangs in our community by accomplishing the following goals:

  • Increase awareness through door to door distribution of brochure to area businesses
  • Continue to provide up-to-date information and resources about gangs through the web site and monthly newsletter
  • Increase awareness through public speaking engagments for area civic, faith-based, community and HOA groups with minimum of one presentation/workshop per month
  • Initiate long-term prevention program through implementation of Willow Lake Teen Forum Project

If you would like to join us in this initiative, please contact us at: ApopkaUAG@gmail.com. TOGETHER we can achieve these goals and make our community a great place to live, work and play for families!

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MORE good news in the fight against gangs...The following article was published in the Orlando Sentinel on Feb. 10 2010

By Willoughhby Mariono, Orlando Sentinel

"Wanted" member of Latin Kings caught in Pennsylvania, cops say

Law-enforcement officers on Tuesday apprehended one of two fugitives listed on Florida's most-wanted list, a man accused of being a Central Florida leader in the Latin Kings gang, the Florida Attorney General's office said.

Luis "Gato" Gelpi, 20, was caught in Pennsylvania, the Attorney General's Office said, and will be extradited to Florida. A seconde man, Jesus "Tito" Ravelo, is still at large.

Ravelo is a former "First Crown" of the Orlando Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation and is considered a leader of the group in Central Florida, according to the Attorney General's office.

Ravelo and Gelpi are two named suspects who remained at large after a multi-agency sweep that last week took into custody seven people thought to be gang members wanted on a range of charges, including conspiracy to commit racketeering, cocaine trafficking and murder. Four others were already in state custody.

Ravelo is considered armed and dangerous. Ravelo, 23, is a flight risk and could be in New York, according to the Attorney General's office. His last known address was in the 1900 block of Darlin Circle in the Bithlo area of east Orange County.

Suspected gang member Jose "Shaolin" Santana was convicted in the 2006 killing of Walter Cerpa, 44. He was fatally shot in front of his family in what police said was a drug-related dispute.

Anyone with information on the where-abouts of Ravelo is asked to call the FBI at 1-866-838-1153.

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JOIN US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GANGS

  • Invite us to speak to your club, organization, church or HOA
  • Distribute gang awareness brochuress
  • Report graffiti
  • Start a Neighborhood Watch
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs096/1102638408940/archive/1102666328302.html

   Stay informed...Join our electronic mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter and stay informed about project initiatives, community meetings, volunteer opportunities and the latest gang related information and community resources.  To subscribe email us at: ApopkaUAG@gmail.com.

To view previous editions of Apopka United Against Gangs newsletter, click on the link below. You will be taken to our archived newsletter homepage. Click on the newsletter you would like to view and get informed and subscribe so you can receive future newsletters! 

Apopka United Against Gangs Newsletters

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 Increasing Awareness... Nationally recognized gang expert Rusty Keeble spoke to area residents at a town hall meeting held in Apopka. Mr. Keeble talked about what is being done locally, statewide and at a national level to combat gangs in our community, and share valuable information about local gangs.

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Speakers Available...Do you need a speaker for your HOA meeting, civic organization, faith-based group or business group? Contact us! We have many speakers available at NO CHARGE that can share information about Apopka United Against Gangs. To inquire, contact us at: ApopkaUAG@gmail.com

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