LAKELAND, Fla. — Law enforcement, residents, and even members of the homeless population agree: Homeless people panhandling in unincorporated north Lakeland is a growing problem.
- County dropped anti-panhandling ordinance earlier this year
- Bonnet Springs Park construction displaced up to 100 people
- More Polk County stories
There are a number of theories as to why things have changed in particular areas, including near Highway 98.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a big factor is the county dropping an anti-panhandling ordinance earlier this year. The county dropped the rule because it thought a U.S. Supreme Court decision made the ordinance unenforceable.
That means deputies can’t do much when they encounter people asking for donations even on the side of the road.
"We can offer services and encourage them to move along. We can’t make them," spokesman Scott Wilder said.
Homeless advocates also think the construction of Bonnet Springs Park in a wooded area of Lakeland has displaced up to a hundred homeless people. They say many have migrated to encampments in north Lakeland.
Mark Sifuentes, who is usually homeless, said he has had to give up panhandling in downtown Lakeland because he keeps getting in trouble for it with Lakeland Police. He’s now panhandling for money at the intersection of Duff Road.
“They just ran me out of town," he said. "They told me I had to go out of town to fly a sign."
He also said there is now really stiff competition for the best panhandling spots.
North Lakeland resident Rebecca Baggett said she has been approached by panhandlers way too many times.
“It does bother me,” she said. “I’d rather not go to the stores that have panhandlers in front of them.”
The Sheriff’s Office said it is keeping a eye on a new anti-panhandling ordinance passed by the Manatee County Commission to see whether it withstands any legal challenges.