Highway Through Hell

AS IF HURRICANE ANDREW WASN'T BAD ENOUGH FOR Florida's tourism industry, now the state is facing a man-made disaster: snipers taking potshots at cars along Interstate 295, conduit for some 80,000 vehicles a day around downtown Jacksonville and the primary route for East Coast snowbirds headed south for Florida's beaches.

Since February more than 150 shootings and rock throwings have been reported by drivers along the 15-mile stretch of highway. Police have confirmed 37 attacks, one death and three injuries. After the American Automobile Association warned motorists to avoid I-295 this month, National Guard troops began patrolling in military vehicles and helicopters. Despite the precautions, three more shootings were reported. Then police got a break. Two teenage gang members were arrested on attempted murder charges in the shooting of a motorist. The troops aren't going home just yet, however. Police believe other gangs may be involved too.