Photo credit: the Democrat
The annual homecoming celebration at Florida A&M University is a time of festivities and reunions, but it also brings to light some concerning issues related to the city’s club scene.
In recent years, the combination of FAMU’s homecoming and the vibrant nightlife has raised serious safety concerns.
During homecoming week, the city’s clubs and bars experience a surge in visitors, including students, alumni and other partygoers.
The increase in foot traffic and late-night revelry often leads to overcrowded venues, making it difficult for security personnel to maintain order.
During last year’s homecoming, several incidents drew attention to the dangers associated with the club scene. Multiple reports of fights, violence and even gun-related incidents in and around popular nightlife spots took place, according to the Tallahassee Police Department.
Earlier, and unrelated to the 2022 homecoming, the club GVO and the restaurant Prime Time closed following episodes of gun violence, including a fatal shooting in the parking lot outside GVO.
Nyla Staple, a third-year broadcast journalism student at FAMU, said that the precautions stressed by FAMU and the Tallahassee Police Departments are necessary given the severity of crimes in the city. She also said that there should be more officers on standby to patrol post-event gatherings.
“The precautions the school and police department imply during homecoming are very necessary: the clear bags, the metal detectors, the blocked roads,” Staple said. “Something that could help the city regain control is having security or the police available more at outside small events. like when people go to hang out at gas stations after the club. There is no one to tell them certain things are not allowed.”
As FAMU’s homecoming week wound down, the Tallahassee Democrat reported two fatal shootings that took place near the campus between Friday morning and Saturday night.
FAMU PD provided the FAMUAN with its annual security report, which can be found on the university’s website. The report provides documentation of the crimes reported to campus police over a three-year timeline and protocols for all the possible drills that happen on campus.
Despite the proximity of the most recent shootings, the documents do not signify any reports made to FAMU PD pertaining to gun violence and gun-related incidents.
Keith Thomas, a fourth-year social work student, expressed his distaste for the blockades and divvy of streets during these events and how unpredictable gun violence is. Thomas also said that being cautious and respectful can save someone from a life-threatening situation.
“I don’t like how TPD sections off part of town for homecoming. As long as the activities stayed across the tracks everything was fine, but soon as it hit Tenn (Tennessee) Street, they wanted to shut things down. Gun violence is something you can’t stop,” Thomas said. “Be attentive to your surroundings, go to events where there’s security. Be respectful to everyone around you and (your) surroundings.”
Tallahassee officials and community leaders are facing the challenge of striking a balance between preserving the vibrant social atmosphere during FAMU and FSU homecomings and ensuring the safety of the attendees. There are ongoing discussions about implementing stricter entry requirements for clubs, increasing the presence of law enforcement, and raising awareness about responsible partying.
It is crucial for both the city and FAMU to work together to address these concerns and foster a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone during and after homecoming. As the next homecoming approaches, the focus remains on finding solutions that will help ensure the celebration can continue without compromising public safety.