Miami and Coral Gables Join Forces to Combat Prostitution and Crime on Calle Ocho: Local authorities have raised concerns over a resurgence of prostitution along Calle Ocho, specifically between avenues 42 and 57. This area is uniquely divided between the City of Miami on the northern side and Coral Gables on the southern side, creating jurisdictional challenges in addressing criminal activities. To tackle the issue, both cities are exploring ways to collaborate and strengthen law enforcement efforts in the area.
According to a report by Telemundo, Coral Gables Commissioner Vince Lago recently joined Miami police during several early-morning raids in the troubled corridor. Lago described witnessing drug dealers and sex workers crossing the street to evade police, exploiting the jurisdictional boundaries. “I saw prostitutes or people selling drugs, they come to the police and jump to the other city… They just have to cross the street,” Lago explained.
To address this loophole, Lago believes the solution lies in creating a collaborative enforcement system between Miami and Coral Gables. Miami Commissioner Francis Suárez, whose district includes the affected area, supports the proposal. Suárez stated, “The City of Miami would have the power to go to the Coral Gables side and enforce the law, just like the Coral Gables police could do it on the Miami city side.”
The Coral Gables Commission has already approved the partnership proposal with Miami, marking a significant step toward unified enforcement. The Miami Commission is expected to discuss the plan during its next meeting this Thursday.
In addition to the proposed collaboration, Coral Gables has already taken action to curb prostitution. The Commission recently passed an ordinance introduced by Lago, which prohibits motels from charging for hourly stays, a common practice in establishments linked to illicit activities. The ordinance targets motels that charge $30 to $40 for short stays, encouraging illegal behavior. While Coral Gables has only one such motel within its jurisdiction, most of the motels on Calle Ocho fall on the Miami side, highlighting the importance of a joint effort.
The unified approach between Miami and Coral Gables aims to eliminate prostitution and other criminal activities on Calle Ocho, ensuring the safety and security of the community on both sides of the street. Authorities are optimistic that this collaboration will close jurisdictional gaps and create a more effective strategy to tackle crime in the area.
