Gang activity growing in Pensacola

ESCAMBIA CO., Fla. - They're invisible to most people just driving the streets of Pensacola, but if you look closer, deputies say gangs are everywhere. Sheriff David Morgan said, "I had been floored by the breadth and depth of the gang problem in Escambia County. "

Morgan says national gangs like the bloods, crips, and MS-13 are all here in Escambia County. But what really worries authorities is, as many as 15 gangs are being created here in Pensacola.

Deputies don't want to name them, to avoid giving them publicity. Investigators say they're behind about 80-percent of the crime on the streets.

Sergeant Rick Vinson said "A lot of gangs are losing their affiliation with specific groups, try to spread our tentacles so to speak. As far as these guys doing to drive-by shootings, home invasions, it's very serious."

The Sheriff's office is now teaming with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney's office to take back Escambia County's streets.

Morgan said, "We're going to marshal every resource we have to combat problem, the days of free wheeling in my county are over! I'm coming for you, I'm coming for you."

Deputies say they've already served several warrants and expect to serve more in the next couple of weeks.