Sheriff wants more deputies to deal with crime in pasco town

HOLIDAY, Fla. - Holiday was once a town filled with retirees looking for a little peace and quite.

These days, it's become a center for crime in Pasco County. Drugs, gangs and prostitution are all problems.

When the sun goes down in Holiday and the full moon comes out, Deputy John Suess doesn't know what's around the corner.

But he can almost always guarantee he'll find someone illegally carrying prescription pills.
The drug of choice in most cases is Oxycodone.

Bea Lovejoy moved here ten years ago and is trying to do what she can by heading up her neighborhood watch group.

"Our community I'm ashamed to admit with all the hours that I spend here, it seems like the crime is getting worse and worse," said Lovejoy.

The Sheriff is hoping to add 28 more deputies to West Pasco County, half in Holiday. The residents would be glad to have them.

"Right now we have different deputies that are assigned to our area. But they can only come in when they have the time. We need somebody that's got the time to come back in," said Lovejoy.

The deputies who are on duty say they are doing what they can to help residents feel safe. They're patrolling every area and catching those who break the law. They hope to get some help soon in the form of more manpower.

The Pasco County Commission will vote on next year's budget later this year.