A Tragedy on Bowdoin Circle

Another emergency call at 451 Bowdoin Circle, this time with tragic results. Neighbors report that on Saturday, November 19, two-fire trucks and two police cars responded to the home. Outside there was broken glass all over the street and several unsavory characters, one with his hand bandaged. Inside, police found a man who had been renting a room in the home for just two weeks, dead from a drug overdose. According to detectives handling the case, he is identified as 26-year old Joshua Hughes.

This home, owned by Kristen Rocks, has been the scene of numerous police calls and encounters in the past. Neighbors don't believe Rocks actually lives there, (she maintains she does), but her 18-year old son Steven sure seems to. He gave his name to police as Anthony Biscaglia when they were called to a late night disturbance over the July 4th holiday weekend.

During that earlier incident a minor was found with a drug overdose but survived. Another was taken to the hospital by ambulance with a head injury. This time, Steven told police he had been out of the home for more than a week, and when he returned, discovered Hughes' body in a bathroom. He apparently had been dead at least 24 hours. The case remains under investigation.

451 Bowdoin Circle

Bottles and cans frequently litter the lawn and street and loud music blares at all hours. Police are also well aware of underage drinking and drug use at what's known to patrol officers as the "party house."

When police and/or emergency responders are called to the home, the partiers scatter, the music is lowered and promises are made. They have never been kept. The rhetorical question often asked is: "What are the neighbors rights?" And, "What can be done to make it stop when the owner is uncooperative, and police only deal with the immediate problem at hand?"

Lisa Kates has an idea and is acting on it. She has just sent a letter to Sarasota City Manager Robert Bartolotta outlining the intolerable situation.

Lisa suggests that other members, and the LSPOA do the same. It would be wise to send copies to the city's Code's Enforcement Division and to city commissioners as well.

The address is: City of Sarasota, 1565 1st Street, Sarasota, FL  34630. And pick up the phone:  941-365-2200. And email: robert.bartolotta@sarasotagov.com. Alerting the media would also help to shine a light on the increasingly dangerous situation. A news conference, attended by a strong turnout of neighbors and supporting members, held in the street in front of 451 Bowdoin, would get the print and electronic media's attention, and show our determination that Lido Shores won't tolerate this flagrant misbehavior.

The ancient adage, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" may be trite, but it works. One or two complaints, every so often, won't get the cavalry running. But a concerted effort to make some noise of our own will. Who will lead the charge?  ~BT