To curb recent deadly violence in Riviera Beach, the mayor is hosting a town hall to discuss solutions Friday night.
Since Monday night at least seven people have been shot, two of them died in the city.
“We (are) all one big family here,” William Wells said about the Riviera Beach barber shop he operates with a group of friends.
For him, it’s not work. He loves it too much. The comradery establishes the sense of community.
It’s how he thinks the spike in violence should be addressed.
“I don’t know what’s going on but we have to work together as a community,” he said.
Alphonse Victor is a fellow barber here. He says they try to mentor the young people he cuts hair for.
“(At) the barber shop, when they come (in) we talk with them, try to educate them, you know what I mean?” he said.
Hopefully, Friday’s meeting can be an extension.
“Some will listen, some ain’t going to listen,” he said. “We hope for the best, we hope for the best.”
Barber Derek Willams says it’s the connection between people that can make the difference.
“It all comes from people caring. People caring about you being a human being,” he said.
They’re all going to try to be there Friday night-with their experience and friendship inside headliners- for the good of the city.
“For us to be one again, for us to be one big family and go off into the sunset,” Wells said about his hope for the city.
The meeting starts Friday night at 6:30 in council chambers at city hall. It’s open to the public to come speak their mind.