Recently two incidents have happened on the Pinellas Trail, causing police to be concerned about citizens’ safety. News Channel 8 said that Tuesday morning, a 60-year-old woman drove on the Pinellas Trail forcing several bicyclists to get off of the trail. No injuries were reported. Prior to this police say an 18-year old man robbed a man and woman while they were riding their bikes on February 1^st. The Times reported, “Police said the man struck the woman in the face with the butt of a handgun knocking out several teeth. He and his accomplice took the victims’ bicycles and possessions and fled.”

This worried police officers that the Pinellas Trail wasn’t too safe. So police took matters into their own hands. Patrols were increased along the entire trail including undercover units. Police also have a special vehicle with cameras to keep an eye on the trail over the weekend. “These measures will provide additional police presence and faster emergency response,” said St. Petersburg police officer Ron Wolfson.

An OHS Warrior, Hanna Beaumont, 10^th grade, said she’s only been on the Pinellas Trail once. “The one time I went I was alone and did not feel safe at all because I’ve heard bad stories about the Pinellas Trail. Hearing about the recent incidents that have happened there makes me very uncomfortable but nothing has ever happened to me personally on the trail.”

Deputy Shorter said he’s heard about these recent incidents. “I have been on the trail. When I was there I didn’t see anything worth worrying about. I have kids and I don’t let them go alone.” Shorter said people should worry about their safety on the trail. “My advice for being safe on the trail is don’t go alone, make sure you have a cell phone, and be careful when it gets more isolated because people hide in the woods, and that’s when they get you.”