Florida, known for its tourist appeal and thriving economy, has been grappling with persistent safety challenges.
Despite being a tourist destination, safety has emerged as a crucial concern in recent years. However, by striking a balance between challenges and achievements, some cities are emerging as the safest cities in Florida. Doral, just one mile from Miami International Airport and seven miles from downtown Miami, is one of them.
A analysis, carried out by the law firm InjuredinFlorida, shed light on the public safety situation in the state’s most populated cities. Using data provided by the FBI between 2015 and 2019, the report reveals the challenges these communities face in terms of violent crime.
The research focused on 65 key cities, assessing crime rates spanning murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. The objective was to provide a comprehensive view of safety in the state by using statistics per 100,000 inhabitants.
Why Doral Is One Of The Safest Cities In Florida
Doral ranked third in terms of safety, only after Weston and Port Orange, located in Broward and Volusia counties , respectively. In a conversation with Infobae, the city’s Mayor Christi Fraga discussed the factors that have contributed to positioning the city as one of the safest in Florida. The Mayor highlighted the effort, dedication and police presence as crucial elements and pointed to a notable 9% decrease in crime figures during the last year.
Fraga explained that the growth of the city, both in population and business, presented new challenges. To address these problems, the municipal administration has allocated significant resources to strengthening the police force, increasing the number of officers by thirty new positions. The Mayor emphasized the importance of continued investment and citizen support to maintain safety
“I always tell our residents that no matter the level of crime you may think it is, it is important that you call the police,” the Mayor said. “We monitor the data and we can investigate what type of crime it is and why it’s happening,”
Regarding the specific policies implemented, Fraga highlighted the creation of new police units and adaptation to changing challenges. The expansion of closed areas and the surveillance of previously open areas have been key to counteracting the increase in certain crimes.
Current Challenges Facing The City
The Mayor identified Doral ‘s current challenges, including population growth and immigration, as factors that require special attention. Despite the positive recognition, Fraga stressed the need to remain alert and proactive in the face of changes in the city’s dynamics.
“There are many people that we cannot even count because they are not documented,” the Mayor said. “Growth will always bring those difficult challenges in the city. We have implemented the publication of all searches and arrests that are made. For us it is super important to publish this information. This was not done before in Doral. We implemented that policy because for us it is essential that people know that Doral takes crime very seriously, and we have zero tolerance for it.”
Plans For The Future Of Doral
When addressing future plans for the city, Mayor Fraga highlighted the importance of defining Doral’s identity . With a vision focused on maintaining safety, being a family city and promoting quality of life, the Mayor shared her plans to promote Doral’s unique identity in South Florida. The projects the city intends to develop are intrinsically linked to the progress of Doral today.
“The key question is: What is the identity of Doral and how do we aspire to be recognized among all the cities in South Florida?, the Mayor said. “This approach is a crucial phase in the evolution of Doral’s distinct identity,”
The 10 Safest Cities In Florida
According to the study, the following cities complete the list in the top 10
Weston: the safest city in Florida
Port Orange
Doral: rate of 122 crimes per 100 thousand inhabitants.