Florida is known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and diverse culture. But behind the scenes, there is a dark and violent underworld of gangs that terrorize the streets and communities of the Sunshine State. Here are seven of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over Florida.
1. Latin Kings
The Latin Kings are one of the oldest and largest Hispanic street gangs in the US, with roots dating back to the 1940s in Chicago. They have a strong presence in Florida, especially in the cities of Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The Latin Kings are notorious for their involvement in drug trafficking, robbery, murder, and racketeering. They are also known for their fierce loyalty to their leader, who is called the Inca, and their five-pointed crown symbol.
2. MS-13
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants fleeing the civil war in their country. They have since expanded to many states and countries, including Florida, where they have a significant presence in the counties of Broward, Palm Beach, and Collier. MS-13 is infamous for their brutality, savagery, and use of machetes as weapons. They are involved in various criminal activities, such as human trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and murder.
3. Bloods
The Bloods are a predominantly African-American street gang that was formed in Los Angeles in the 1970s as a rival to the Crips. They have since spread to many other states and cities, including Florida, where they have a strong presence in the cities of Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The Bloods are known for their use of the color red, the number five, and the five-pointed star as symbols. They are engaged in various crimes, such as drug dealing, robbery, assault, and homicide.
4. Crips
The Crips are a predominantly African-American street gang that was formed in Los Angeles in the late 1960s by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams. They have since grown to be one of the largest and most influential gangs in the US, with branches in many states and cities, including Florida, where they have a strong presence in the cities of Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee. The Crips are known for their use of the color blue, the number six, and the six-pointed star as symbols. They are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, and murder.
5. Outlaws
The Outlaws are a motorcycle club that was founded in Illinois in 1935. They are part of the “Big Four” outlaw motorcycle gangs, along with the Hells Angels, the Pagans, and the Bandidos. They have chapters in many states and countries, including Florida, where they have a dominant presence in the cities of Tampa, Daytona Beach, and Jacksonville. The Outlaws are known for their motto “God Forgives, Outlaws Don’t” and their skull and crossbones logo. They are involved in various crimes, such as drug smuggling, weapons trafficking, prostitution, and murder.
6. Sur-13
Sur-13, or Sureños, is a collective name for various Hispanic street gangs that are affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, a powerful prison gang. They originated in Southern California, but have since expanded to many other states and regions, including Florida, where they have a significant presence in the cities of Miami, Orlando, and Fort Myers. Sur-13 is known for their use of the color blue, the number 13, and the three dots as symbols. They are involved in various crimes, such as drug distribution, robbery, burglary, and murder.
7. Zoe Pound
Zoe Pound is a Haitian-American street gang that was founded in Miami in the early 1990s by a group of Haitian refugees. They have since grown to be one of the most powerful and violent gangs in Florida, with a presence in the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Zoe Pound is known for their use of the Haitian flag, the number 1804, and the word “Zoe” as symbols. They are involved in various crimes, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and murder.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over Florida. They pose a serious threat to the safety and security of the residents and visitors of the state. The authorities and the communities need to work together to combat the gang problem and prevent further violence and crime.