Homeless refuse to leave debate site

About 9:45 a.m. today, city crews began assembling barricades on the streets surrounding the Mahaffey Theater. They left the area of the homeless demonstration untouched. [Casey Cora | Times]

ST. PETERSBURG -- A city official this afternoon told the homeless who are protesting near the site of Wednesday's CNN/YouTube debate to move but they refused.

About 10 people are in the area that the city wants cleared, some of them homeless and some who are advocates for the homeless. A spokesman for the group said they would leave if CNN asked them directly, but city officials say the city is in charge of security, not the network, which has lease the land for the debate.

So for now it is a standoff.

Earlier today, Police Chief Chuck Harmon said anyone who does not leave the secured area would face arrest, though he stressed that arrests will be a last resort.

Protesters can go across the street, he said. No protest zones are planned, he added.

The city is erecting the barrier because of the number of prominent visitors, including presidential candidates, and "millions of dollars of equipment" that will be there.

"Hopefully, we won't have to arrest anybody," Harmon said.

City workers are erecting the barricades along the east side of First Street S near the site of Wednesday's debate but have not yet built the barricades around the site of the protest.

About a dozen people, most of them homeless, have put up signs and mattresses in front of the Mahaffey Theater along 1st Street S, hoping to draw attention to their demands for better treatment by the city.

Organized by local activists by distributing fliers (see one of them) to the local homeless, they spent the night at First Street and Fourth Avenue S and expect police to begin moving them to another location soon.

The city plans to run the barricade north-south from First Avenue S to Fifth Avenue S, taking in the east side of First Street S. The homeless had planned to try to bring attention to their cause by sleeping within sight of the debate at the Mahaffey Theater.

The homeless and their advocates spent the sunny morning sipping coffee and smoking cigarettes, occasionally pumping a fist at honking motorists and passing cyclists. A few sang along with a guitarist strumming old folk songs.

But those who spent Sunday night along First Street S said they received an unexpected surprise: blasts of water from nearby sprinklers.

"They knew we'd be here," Wright said of the sprinkler system, which many of those camped out said started about three different times throughout the night. "There's no other way to view it."

Many of those camped out here see the scheduled four-day sleepout as a way to highlight the problem between the city and its homeless population.

"What we're really fighting for is our rights," said Robert Martin, 48, a Rhode Island native who has been on and off the St. Petersburg streets for 18 years. "Instead of condos, put homeless shelters up. One, anyway."

- Abhi Raghunathan and Casey Cora, Times staff writers

Comments

[Steve]

When you choose not to be a productive member of society don't your forfeit your "rights" to demand anything? Lets take care of those that need a temporary solution not career scalawags. Hard working taxpayers deserve to not be hounded at every intersection by conartist bums for money.

[Dr_Dug]

The Homeless move like Parasites from City to City demanding that people give them food and shelter. They need to get a clue and join Society, not hold it back!!

[Unnecessary]

Unless they are severly mentally disabled, there ARE jobs out there for them! Stop SITTING in protest and GET A JOB!

[Joe]

I am frankly tired of me and my children being accosted by seemingly homeless people looking for money in front of stores and restaurants. There is no excuse for it. I think the disproportionate homeless situation in St Pete is a disgrace. Larger cities don't seem to have this problem. This seems to be the chosen vacation spot and mecca for "homeless". Not to be heartless but the only thing I can see is the city catering to and fostering this situation and not enforcing the loitering and other laws.

[Russ]

I am getting very tired of stepping over homeless people when I walk the dog in the morning. There are typically about 5 on my street.

I am also getting tired of calling the police - they should be able to do more important things than deal with homeless drunks.

Approximately 55% are in fact, mentally challenged, and were made homeless due to the de-institutionalizing of our system that started during the Regan years and continued by Jeb here in Florida.

Approximately 30% are drug and alcohol addicts with nowhere to turn for help.

Approximately 12% are actually homeless due to losing a job or a home, ect… and have nowhere to turn for help.

Approximately 3% are truly societal dropouts that will never contribute to anything. They actually want to be homeless.

Until we recognize this delineation and address it accordingly, elitist, self-centered ignoramuses will always attach the “Bum” tag to “All” homeless people and therefore easy their guilt be disregarding their existence.

[Kim]

Could someone please do a survey of these homeless people to find out how many of them where born in St Pete, raised in St Pete or even ever held gainful employment in St Pete. I have a strong feeling many of them are not "St Pete's" homeless. Many of them are other places homeless who came here so they won't freeze to death.

[neil]

I'll bet if it was a group rally in support of the war city officials wouldn't be turning on the sprinklers. Kind of shows you how the city really feels about the homeless. You need to get rid of Baker before ANYTHING is going to happen for their benefit.

[Joe]

More than likely, the sprinklers are on a timer set to go off at specific times. I've attended city-permitted events in Clearwater and Madeira Beach where the sprinklers go off early in the morning. Did the activists pull permits to assemble on the property they are on? If so, they should have determined if sprinklers were on timers and requested they be turned off. If not, shame on them for their ignorance.

As a taxpayer, I sure hope all our city's sprinkler systems are on timers, rather than paying a city staffer to run all over the city every day to turn sprinklers on and off.

There are places for these people to go, but the majority of them does not want to stop drinking or using drugs. I am not saying that all of these people are choosing to be homeless, but I an saying that the ones that choose not to be homeless should check with social sevices, the Salvation Army and the other agencies that we offer to help the homeless and anyone that need help with certain situations. I don't mind helping anyone that needs help and God knows I have needed help plenty of times, but I didn't stand on a corner and begged. I went to social services and any of the places that they sent me to. They will help you with bus fare and places to get clothes, food and shelter if they cannot help you. With the way this society is, I would never want to sleep on the sidewalk, nor in a park, so all I am saying is St.Petersburg does have places for these people to go if they really want help.

[EV Ryman]

For those of you insensitive to the plight of the homeless, just remember that it could be you.

And don't think it is easy for them to get a job. Not at all. The folks at Boley Center, here in St Pete, do a great job in helping those with disabilities (mental and otherwise) find and keep work, but it becomes much more difficult if you don't have a home address, a phone number to contact you or transportation to get to and from the job (let alone a shower, clean clothes, etc...) And if you happen to have a felony in your background, you can forget about the vast majority of jobs out there.

There are manipulators in every facet of society, including the impovrished, but they should not be used to judge the group. The Republican Debate is bringing a portion of the nation's focus on St Pete and they see this as an opportunity to get attention and make things better. They should have our support.

"Give to every one who begs from you" - Sermon on the Mount

[steve]

For the self righteous know it all that posted 10:09a.m....

Your statistics and facts are incorrect. Who is gathering them? and more importantly here in St Pete? You see, most of us use our common sense and judgement to recognize an issue and not quote meaningless figures and make excuses for the "Bums" inhabiting our area. You are part of the problem...by making excuses and blaming society. There is literally thousands of state, city, local church, programs and assistance for anyone that wants to help themselves. If you feed and house the pidgeons they keeping coming back don't they? The broader problem is you! Buffoon...

[Steve]

The important issue here is the career "homeless" that harass and protest and demand more and more...This is the vast majority. The very small percentage that are down on their luck will seek and find assistance. Its everywhere! Able body labor does not care if you have a home address!

By walking around with blinders on, (while your intentions are pure) you are, in fact, enabling the career, conartist to continue to gain momentum and protest and substantiate their behavior.

Take your kids for a walk in the St Pete Parks at night and see what happens. We can't even enjoy them or go downtown to eat without being harassed. Or stop at a red light.

Life is not about taking the easiest path. Its about the right path. The Dignified path. Even if its not easy.

[John]

Hey Mr. Martin, istead of whining about your life, why do you not go out and get a job to better it??? Don't give me the crap that there are not any jobs around, because I will personally call you a liar. I was in your position at one time and decided that my family was not going to live on the streets forever. Why should the city or even the people you are trying to impress want to do anything for you when you don't want to do anything for yourself? Get a life and get a job, instead of being a drunken bum and someone who wants to jump on the bandwagon of the truely homeless hoping to "CASH IN.".

[John]

Hey Mr. Martin, istead of whining about your life, why do you not go out and get a job to better it??? Don't give me the crap that there are not any jobs around, because I will personally call you a liar. I was in your position at one time and decided that my family was not going to live on the streets forever. Why should the city or even the people you are trying to impress want to do anything for you when you don't want to do anything for yourself? Get a life and get a job, instead of being a drunken bum and someone who wants to jump on the bandwagon of the truely homeless hoping to "CASH IN.".

The Rev is local - Mr Rubin, who is really behind this protest, is an out of town agitator who pulled this same routine in Philadelphia a couple year's ago.

All I can say is when the homeless have websites and myspace pages, and when those sites list St. Pete as "one of the few places you can be homeless and gain weight" things can't be too bad.

I especially enjoyed the quote by a homeless in man in the recent SPTIMES which said he wouldn't go to the new Tent City because "they have rules".

That says a lot.

Will Mayor Baker from the Baker Crime Family order an other attack. The tent slashing were a felony committed by the St. Petersburg Police and Fire Department. They should all be arrested and charged with attempted murder at the least aggrvated battery.

[Wayne]

Did anyone take a look at the flier? One of the things that the city is wanting is a background check before someone can reside in a city run shelter for free. Hmmmm...if i am not mistaking I had a backgraound check done (credit) done on me before I could qualify to live in the house that I am paying for. Why shouldn't these possible molesters be required of some sort of check. Shouldn't families who use these shelters be safe also?

[Julie]

The sprinklers were running when I went to work this morning, too! "They knew we'd be there"...obviously my company hates its employees just like the city hates the homeless...and punishes them with sprinklers blowing poopy-smelling water on the stiff breeze right onto our business suits and leather brief cases...."there's no other way to view it"! Reverend Wright, you're WRONG!

[Robert]

As the old saying states:what goes around comes around. And now it is time for the Republicans to deal the left overs from Regan and Jeb here in the state of Florida. Yes, the previous person stated this was caused by "the de-institutionalizing of our system that started during the Regan years and continued by Jeb here in Florida."
So now They come here to debate and must look the some of the work thier forebearers have created.Why can't the republicans be caring enough for these people. This does not mean that I favor homeless or I am for the total removal. But we had a system to help the homeless and THEY closed the door on people that needed help. This is just another example of COLD hearted republicans.

It seems everytime the city gives a little - the homeless want a little more. When is enough going to be enough?

The city set up a temporary tent city and brought county services to assist. When the negotiated and agreed upon timeframe expired, those homeless who refused the help provided by those organizations - refused to leave!

There are people who are just down on their luck, and if it weren't for the parasitic "chronically homeless" we might have enough resources to get them on their feet. Instead we invest big dollars to sustain able-bodied persons who don't like rules and desire a hand out, not a hand up.

Right on 12:12!

The Times says this protest is by local advocates in one article - and then features Eric Rubin in a photo with another (they refer to him as a "long time" instead of a "local" advocate tho).

I remember watching homeless get off busses in St. Pete and walk to the tent city. Rubin bussed in homeless to support his cause - even the census taken in tent city indicated most residents lived in the area less then 6 months.

This is a well orchastrated, power hungry group of media whores from out of town, not local folks trying to help.

[Holly]

Rick Baker is NOT doing anything about the homeless. Although, he wants his cut for all the shameless development, but no balls to really get in there like a dirty sock and SOLVE the homeless PROBLEM! Jerk!

I'd like to see the SP Times do an expose on "The Homelessness Industry" including if the well-fed Rev. Wright and the opportunistic Mr. Rubin are receiving any funds, directly or indirectly from operating flop houses. I understand they provide housing to the homeless, but only until their social security, disability, or welfare checks run out. Then it's out with the broke and in with those who have checks in hand. How about it SPTimes?

[Dr_Dug]

Give the homeless a uniform,a rifle, and instructions on how to join the service. THERE...got your home now!! Fight for your rights before you demand them !!

My work schedule forces me to do a fair share of jogging late in the evening or crack of dawn. Those sprinklers around Al Lang, Mahaffey, USF etc. are a pain, but they run pretty frequently. It's not a conspiracy, it's irrigation.

[Jacque Campbell]

When wiil they ever completely revitilize St.Petersburg. I visited Florida in 1968 during the National Republican Convention in Miami. We were unable to visit St Petersburg because of riots. You would have thought that it almost 40 years that it would be better there? When will things change for that town. New York city clean up its act. Why can't St Petersburg do the same.

[John]

Jacque, are you crazy?

Were you in NY during the last convention? Did you see the protestors? If you missed them, did you see the heavily armed police in riot gear? How about the Urban Assault Vehicles and National Guard volunteers? Did you see the hundreds of people arrested and "warehoused" in make-shift jails on the piers? Perhaps you've been following the multiple million dollar lawsuits working their way through the NY civil courts as a result of the police brutality and tactics employed to "quell" protests ?

I think St. Pete's twelve homeless protesters (and their northern ringmaster) are pretty tame compared to New York's "cleaned-up" act.

welcome to the police stste

[Dave]

Whatever happened to "judge not, lest ye be judged?"

Oh, right. That's not the Republican way. The Republican way is "Get a job, you hippie!"

Thanks, but I'll keep my Bible.

[Phil]

Good comment Dr_Dug 2:58....

I served my country for 4 years in USAF. I've worked my entire (since 14yr old) life . Payed taxes, follow the laws, mindful of others, volunteered my time and money over the years to many charitable organizations.

When do my rights matter on the list?

Why should me and my family be
consistently harassed by indigents? Ask yourself why should we relinquish the city to them? Is it wrong to force them to be self sufficent?

If your answer is no and you have children...Its a safe bet yours is the unruly, lack of discipline one with the goth face paint and clown pants asking everyone why life is so hard.

[nosympathy]

I am so very tired of everyone saying "it could be you".NO it couldn't.Before I was on the street I would work 5 jobs,turn to family,and give up everything I own.Homelessness is a sad commentary to laziness,pure and simple.Get them the heck off that property.

[Jim]

I wonder how many people that post here actually consider themselves Christians..just a thought....

[Jc]

Nothing like subject of homeless to let you know who you are and what you're about. Foreclosures due to impossible insur/prop tax rates along with same in health care, on top of spiked costs in, well, most everything ... the number of homeless who actually are working is rising!
The number of homeless Vets are rising.
Women and their children rising.

I don't advocate one iota charity with no avenues for improving one's lot. But this takes at least some monies, and lots of smart planning and programs that all of us should demand as a humane society. In general we ask and spend more on our pets.

It is always less time consuming, less problematic and less expensive to do the right thing in the first place, but if not, then do it right now. The only reason someone gets to a callous view of help and compassion is because they didn't get it when they needed it most themselves.

[shutupalready]

STOP laying blame on Baker.He did NOT create,perpetuate,nor can he ELIMINATE the homeless.He can NOT make these lazy people work,nor can he arrest them all.It is NOT up to him....idiots!

[phil]

answer for Jim, posted 3:47

Not many I hope. Who is to say they should be? In my experience the vast majority of "Christians" are the most self righteous hypocrites on earth. Especially Catholic.

Say a few hail marie's for the leagues of priests fondling little boys.

Lets keep your religion out of it. For the record I believe in God. Doesn't make me better than you.

Did you read the flyer? People who cannot manager thier own lives or money DEMAND to "co-govern" the housing that they want the city tax payer to provide. This is outrageous.

[Edward]

So much for the First Amendment guarantee of the "right of the people peaceably to assemble".

Dave - Judge away!

I drive a used car, have a tiny TV, no stereo, work two jobs, pay my bills and never looked for a handout in my life. I am not "one paycheck away from homelessness" because I live on a budget and save my pennies. I contribute to actual charities who assist the homeless, and I do my share of volunteer work - do you?

All that said, I should not have to deal, on a daily basis, with chronic homeless bothering me as I walk downtown, or have to call the police because they won't leave the kids at the bus stop near my home alone.

I don't begrudge anyone who does honest labor, I do frown on those who feel entitled to something they didn't earn, or spurn help when offered.

No one said they can't peacably assemble - they just can't do so on private property rented to a third party (CNN). The Chief even said in the article - they can be anywhere they want to be outside the secure area.

Anytime a politician comes to town there is security - we need to protect a leaders' "right to life" and balance that against the homeless "right to assemble". Which, incidentally, they do quite often and without issue.

[Lisa]

I drove by there three times today and each time I saw able bodied people making a choice not to work. If they put as much effort into finding a job as they do being a nuissance to society they may not be homeless.

I pay too much in taxes to have my city and our neighborhoods over-run by people looking for a free ride. I work every single day, I pay my taxes, nobody pays for my healthcare or gives me hand outs.

Buy these people bus tickets and ship them out - for good.

[Jim Dietrich]

EV Ryman, yes, it could be us, but the difference between me and the homeless slobs out there is I'm actually working to better myself. I've been unemployed here in Florida on three separate occasions, and have found a job within a month of losing my job; unemployment helped me get by, not street-corner begging. I saw a guy who offered to work for food, and I offered to give him a meal and a shower and the like because I needed to get some landscaping done. He asked me if I could just give him money instead. "Why offer to work, then, if you're too damn lazy to do it?" I asked, and he couldn't give me answer. From moderately-dressed bums getting out of taxis at their corner to work that day to lazy liars with signs, I've decided they don't get another red cent of mine. I've got my own bills to pay.

1:10PM, not only was it a great thing for the original Tent City to be demolished due to crime and sanitation, but since EVERYONE there was offered vouchers for housing and a way to find jobs BEFORE it was dismantled, there should be no one left from there to worry about, since the city took care of them, right? NO! Because 1/4 of the people actually refused help! I don't know about you, but if I'm destitute and trying to get out of my situation, I'd take any and all help that was thrown my way. Anyone who refuses help deserves to fend for themselves. If something happens, it's their fault, not mine, yours, nor the city's, for not taking the help that was given already. You reap what you sow.

Jacque, things have changed tenfold since I've moved here 5 years ago. Crime's down, the downtown's alive, and the people who want to work are making money. However, the only blemish we have right now is the homeless issue, and that's really a non-issue; it's only being made an issue by self-absorbed egotists that need tons of face time. I really recommend a visit here; I sincerely think you would like it, especially with the culture and nightlife here. Don't let someone who's a media steer you away.

Dave, the difference between Republicans and Democrats on this topic is this:
-With a Rep., you made your bed, you lie in it (self-accountability).
-With a Dem., it's not your fault, it's your environment (displaced accountability).
While I consider myself very middle of the road politically, I have to side with the GOP on this one because if you can't take responsibility for your own actions, you waive your right to free-thinking. Otherwise, it was his parents fault Charles Manson killed those people and he was just "expressing his individuality". Cut the crap and start owning up for your failures!

[Jim Dietrich]

Oh, and 10:09AM, 76% of all statistics are made up on the spot, so don't throw around numbers if you don't know what they mean.

The sprinklers were probably very unwelcome to the homeless assembled in the park; soap would have been even less well-received. How about this for an idea: Clean up. Give up cigarettes & booze. Conform. Get a job. Pay taxes. Be productive members of society. You know, all those things the left-wing organizers who are whipping you into a frenzy are telling you that you don't have to do.

[Bill]

Homeless? Nah, just simply 'bums'. I've stopped and offered work several times, each time declined. Far easier I suppose to simply panhandle than work for a living. Let's face it..many of these bums chose their lifestyle when they became drug addicts, alcoholics, or societal misfits. They're a blight to see camped out under the overpass at 5th Ave and 16th Street, if you get near enough to have to smell the booze, body odor, and urine you realize it's a choice. It's unfortunate to have to deal with them in the downtown area, in the libraries and in the fast food restaurants reeking.

If they are arrested, I hope the St. Petersburg police don't take a piece of their scalps for evidence, like they did with the tents.

[Jim]

Phil,.. you're wrong,... there are plenty of people who claim to be 'Christians', but don't really understand what that means, because hypocrites aren't true Christians. What shocks me most is the statement 'why should they be?'(christians).Sad. Hard to imagine things really aren't so different now than they were in Jesus' times. Just imagine ..when Jesus returns he could be one of those homeless people you have so much disdain for. I'm not saying everyone should take one in and all that, I'm just saying that because these people don't own property, they are considered, basically, cattle.

SOILENT GREEN, SOILENT GREEN…

Oh, and Jim Dietrich… bite my a*s. My numbers are correct… deal with it, freak!

[kdz]

The homeless are there everyday. If it is a "nonissue" every other day of the year, why just because CNN is here should we try to make them leave that area. I live downtown and see the HUGE issue that the homeless present everyday, but no one does anything about it. If you want to help then help. Don't try and clean it up for the media, clean it up for the hard working citizens who live with it EVERYDAY!!

[JB]

If the country was to truly bankrupt itself with similar conditions of the great depression, you too will be on the streets - how about easing up on the unfortunate folks who are already living on the streets, as you too just might be sleeping next to them - you aren't so great anyway -

[Willow]

If I lost my job due to illness/injury and was unable to work for an extended period of time, I could become homeless. My profession? University adjunct professor. The majority of college/university educators are part time- we have NO benefits and don't get paid enough to afford any kind of insurance. If we all left our schools to seek employment that included benefits, universities would shut down.

[Jen]

Those who truly want to find jobs and productive lives have my sympathy. Those are the ones who deserve help.

I once saw a panhandler in front of a store. The Store Manager handed him a job application, clip board and pen. The panhandler told him to F*** off.

I'm sure if one tried hard enough, a shelter would give a temporary address while he/she seeks work. The Salvation Army will help someone with substance abuse problems get help and back on their feet. Mental Help is available for others.

I like many others are tired of hearing that the homeless need more. Well I remember when a homeless man was interviewed by the press a while back and he was asked " Why do you not go out and find a Job?" Answer was I do better sitting here by the interstate. That is pathetic. While I agree that alot of the homeless do try to make a better life for themselves and thats great but the majority of the population would rather suck the resources from others so they may have a free ride. People are tired of this thinking and it needs to stop. People like Ruben are a Blight in this world and need to be gone. Ruben wants to help , then he should help and not be a burden to the rest. Ruben is the problem noone else.

[Don Quixote]

I am sick and tired of this. Go to any major intersection and you will see a BUM with a sign looking for a handout. And you know what they do with this hard "earned" money? Find shelter? Ha Ha Ha. No...just buy some more Natty Light and start the day over again. My favorite is when someone tells them no and the BUM starts to harass the person for not giving them money. These BUMS do not want to work. Most of them are NOT from St Pete but they know we will not do anything about it so they come here.

And as for "Mr" Rubin and "Mr" Wright, well, they are just looking for face time to promote themselves. They could careless for these BUMS. They are more selfish than anyone you could think of.

[paul]

just another reason to get rid of the st.pete admin. election time is coming peop's. let's clean house at the sppd and city council this time AND GET IT RIGHT! i'm sick of paying taxes for incompetants who think they have all the answers. "chief" harmone is a puppet for city counsil as well as any other chief prior and will again, post council. as far as the "homeless", MAKE A DECISION!" either get rid of them or build them condo's at liberal taxe payer $'s.

[Frank]

Last year we spent thousands of our tax dollars to help these peole and this year they put a knife in our backs. It's time for the police to start pushing back, using any law that comes to mind....

Paul , the above statement is perfect example of you either being so uniformed and clueless or too stupid to know that the majority of the people living in this city or even the county are sick of supporting people who will not try and support themselves and always want handouts. People that work hard should not have to support a group that does not want to help themselves. Yes Ruben and Wright are self serving bottom feeders that use this issue for there own agendas.

[pete f]

If everyone would just stop feeding, helping, giving money to these homeless they would go somewhere else. There is a place for everuone to go for help, these people do not want it. I have a business and homless are a problem. You clean up toliets after the smelly bums a few times then your homeless sympathy gets very small. Everyone can work!@ I always have no matter how crappy or hard the job was.

[mommieharp]

The homeless situation is going to get worse around here. And not all of the homeless are jobless. The wages have stagnated while costs of everything elso have gone up.

Someone in this forum said something about taking a survey to determine where all of the homeless people in St. Pete are from. What does it matter? If the whole state of Indiana wants to come down here and panhandle in Pinellas County, there is no law stopping them from doing that.

The economy is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. The homeless should comply with officials who are willing to provide them a place to camp. There should also be a place provided for homeless people to park their automobiles and camp. Not all homeless people are vehicle-less.

A lot of people seem to want to hammer everybody into the same type of mold. That is not what this country is about. If someone wants to be a bum; in this country that is your right.

If you don't like to see freedom in action (it isn't always pretty) or you don't have the stomach to step over homeless people, or look at them everyday, or listen to them importuning you for money; then move your butt to Maine.

[Lisa]

I'd like to suggest that those on this thread interested in helping check out www.pinellashope.org to read about the new tent city that will be operating Dec 1-Apr 30. Perhaps your organization, business or church can agree to provide and serve a meal to the homeless. Your help is needed!

As to the debate here -- 1. Yes, there are jobs out there (and able-bodied people should try to get work), but yes, many of the homeless have had medical issues without good insurance that resulted in downward spirals and loss of housing and/or employment. 2. Yes, they may not all be from St. Pete, and yes we may not all be from St. Pete. So what? 3. Yes, some people take advantage, and yes, lots of people let those who take advantage block their view of those really in need. 4. Yes, it isn't a pretty thing to have to step over someone who is in bad shape, and yes perhaps having to do that is our reminder of how good we have it.

Compassion, charity, faith, hope, love... these are the hallmarks of the holiday season, and I wish of the year. I challenge all of us to remember that.

To St Pete Times -- I believe that the last article you wrote on the new tent city was in late October. It would be good to follow up this somewhat negative article with another article, updating everybody as to the status of the new tent city. Overall, the city is trying to make a difference this year. Let's support that.

[Ford Ross Jr.]

Please give me a job. You keep refusing to hire me because I have an extensive criminal background with my last contact with the law occuring 7 years ago. I am living at the Center of Hope Transitional Housing and nobody wants to hire me. The Salvation Army is paying me to ring bells for them this year, but the rest of you won't give me a job. I am highly skilled and motivated, but you won't take a chance on me. I am an expert with computers, A+ Certified, and have a State of Florida Office Clerk Certification. If you are interested, contact me at frdrsjr@yahoo.com

[dawn]

Stop judging people..dawn,william,bill achnitz

The reason it matters if they are from St. Pete is the taxpayers of St. Pete should not be forced to subsidize the homeless from other cities. If every homeless person from Indianna came here (as one poster suggested) the city would go bankrupt - feeding them, locking them up, or both!

If a local falls on hard times local tax dollars should go to local charities to help that local back on their feet. We should not be the mecca of free meals and lax laws regarding sidewalk camping.

And for the Christians - Jesus had a job, he was a carpenter.

[tim sindt]

It,s not just the homeless. There are barriers everywhere to keep out the "riffraff" a.k.a. those undesireables who might tell CNN and the rest of the state media that thanks to Republican rule just how many of us are one hiccup away from homelessness. People are maxed out, stressed, continually reminded to be scared, and these bozos are coming here to remind us all would be well if Ronnie Raygun came back from the dead and tripled the size of our american concentration camp in Cuba!We fought the commies till they gave us slave labor, so we moved all our real jobs to China. We owe them trillions now. Hope they don't repossess soon, then a lot more of us will be "bums"