It's not like we DON'T have a murder problem in Jacksonville
An unofficial holiday for skaters turned into a field day for Jacksonville police Wednesday afternoon once attendees left their initial gathering place at Friendship Fountain. "Go Skate Day," a loosely organized event advertised on local skating Web sites, began at the Southbank park but crossed the St. Johns River once police began to arrive, witnesses said.
Sgt. Mark Bozeman of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said there were more than 100 skateboarders moving down Bay Street, weaving in and out of traffic. Officers began warning the skaters by loud speaker that they were violating traffic laws and had to disperse.
In the end, he said, more than 20 skaters received traffic citations and will have to pay a fine.
Yeah, I know skateboarders in public places can be really annoying. And a safety issue. But come on. We have a soaring homicide rate in Jacksonville so unless these kids are beating people to death with their skateboards we having bigger issues to worry about.