Bail Bonds in Overtown Miami

Overtown is located in Miami, Florida and has been struggling with homelessness, street gangs, constant shootings and other symptoms of a depressed, urban city for far too long. However, Overtown didn’t start out this way.

History of Overtown

When this part of Miami was first developed, it was during Henry Flagler’s construction of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1896 and was where many of the black railroad workers resided. Needless to say, Overtown became a prime location. Northwest Second Avenue, specifically, was booming, as businesses flourished in this new community.

More and more people began relocating to South Florida during the 1920s, drawing in wealthy businessmen. Overtown became the home to D.A. Dorsey, one of the first black millionaires in the South and other prominent individuals. This prosperous boom provided great opportunities for the black community throughout South Florida, including the first high school to provide education for black Americans in Palm Beach County.

In the 1940’s and early 50’s, Overtown had also become a prime spot for nightlife in Miami for both residents and visitors. The economically depressed area we currently see today was then frequented by celebrity musicians who were performing in the Miami area, such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole.

By the late 1950s, circumstances in Overtown began to spiral downward, mostly due to interstate construction. Needless to say, building highways is not a fast project. The noise and havoc forced out businesses. And by the 1960s, what was once a thriving community had become the ghetto.

Efforts were put into place at the turn of the 21^st Century to help the citizens of Overtown. Historic landmarks were renovated, and a community garden was put in place of an eye-sore, empty lot, which was initiated by Dr. Marvin Dunn, but cared for by volunteers (local residents).  Not only was the garden a sight for sore eyes, but it also provided fresh produce for low-income residents within the community.

VIDEO: The Ground Under Overtown

Overtown Miami Crime

Drug wars came into play and in 1979, shots were fired at mid-day in the Dadeland Mall. Cocaine traffickers from Colombia (aka: the Cocaine Cowboys) were taking over the area and had no concern of where they were at or who was around in the midst of their blood raging wars, creating a very dangerous city to live in.

In May of 1980, a massive riot took place causing much of Miami to go up in flames. The streets remaining were dominated by crime. All in response to the murder of Arthur McDuffie. Four Dade County police officers were said to have beaten McDuffie to death, but charges were dropped angering the black community.  Other riots would follow for similar reasons, as well as increasing tension between race as Haitian and Cuban immigrants rapidly began moving in. Miami had become the most dangerous city in America. Overtown was one of the areas inflicted with the brunt of the crime.

Overtown Miami Gangs and Drug Addiction

Between the late 1980s and today, crime in Overtown and much of the downtown Miami area has only increased. Gangs and drug addiction have become the norm. Homeless people and dirty, used needles and litter fill the streets. Graffiti covers buildings. Senseless shootings take the lives of gang members and innocent victims regularly.

VIDEO: True Story in the Hood

The Miami Herald reported last October (2018) how the Miami government had plans of cleaning up the area and placing homeless people who had been living on sidewalks along the main streets of Overtown into shelters and getting addicts into treatment centers.

Help for Arrests in Overtown

Getting arrested is sometimes the first step to a better life for those who have found themselves caught up in street gangs and/or drug or alcohol addiction. If someone you care about has been arrested in Overtown or the surrounding areas in Dade County, Bail Bonds Now is standing by to help post a bond.

24/7 Bail Bonds

For clients who have a problem with addiction, are homeless or need the assistance of a youth program, our bail agents have the ability to help facilitate placement into Florida certified drug rehabilitation facilities, homeless shelters and youth programs. WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY TYPE OF COMPENSATION FOR THIS SERVICE.

HOW BAIL BONDS WORK

All of our bail bond agents are licensed, experienced and reliable. The Bail Bonds Now online bail bond application makes the entire process fast and easy. You can use your smartphone to apply and make a payment from anywhere at any time. Just text or call a bondsman at (786)-500-9999 to receive an access code.