Dozens of people have been arrested in Cocoa as police try to clean up a neighborhood park they say is filled with illegal activity.
- Cocoa's Provost Park reportedly filled with illegal activity
- 4-month undercover sting resulted in 40 arrests
- Police chief says sting was just the 1st step in cleanup effort
Drug sales, prostitution, gambling and drinking are just some of the problems police say have choked the life out of Cocoa's Provost Park.
Now, they hope these dozens of arrests help make the area safer.
"We hear police cars go off all the time," Patty Whiting said. She might be new to the neighborhood across the street from Provost Park, but she's quickly learning of the crimes police are dealing with.
"I don't see kids over there; I see mostly adults," she said.
Police are on the heels of a four-month undercover sting that netted 40 arrests.
Numerous neighbors have complained of suspected dealers selling drugs out in the open, plus prostitutes, drinking and gambling.
"I've had people calling me saying they were afraid to come to this park," Cocoa Police Chief Mike Canteloupe said.
The chief said people from across the county were using the bus system, and the stop across the street, to come buy drugs at the park. He also said it's sad to see empty playground equipment.
"It should be full of kids — that's what we want to see," he said.
The chief admits this is just the first step. They plan to have more patrols around the park, make more arrests if they have to, and are urging residents who see possible illegal activity to call them.
For Whiting, she's glad for the proactive policing and will be more vigilant.
"I will be more aware, keep my eyes open," she said.