Description
The homeless situation around Mirror Lake is becoming increasingly more prevalent I no longer feel safe walking around the lake especially in the evening and early morning because there are people hanging around and sleeping in the bushes and all around. The last time I took a walk around the lake a woman jumped out of a bush at me and scared me half to death People are also using the area as a bathroom as well Several times I have seen human feces on the grass and sidewalks and I have seen people relieving themselves out in the open Could that washing into the lake be causing that algae bloom ? When the Unitarian church and other groups provide food, trash is left all over and residents are walking around cleaning it up Perhaps food can be provided at an indoor location like a soup kitchen or shelter where there is staff to clean up and folks can use indoor bathrooms
I am seriously considering leaving the city I love before this situation gets worse
.dip e.
2 Comments
Acknowledged St Pete Service Center 1 (Verified Official)
Thank you for reporting this issue to us via SeeClickFix St. Pete. This report has been forwarded to the Office of Veteran, Social & Homeless Services. While Homelessness is not illegal, the City addresses homelessness and related social issues City-wide by utilizing a two-tiered philosophy of service: Referral followed by enforcement.
Our Police Department has a Street Outreach Team (PATH) that actively canvasses areas where the activities of the homeless are noticed, and they will continue doing so to ensure the safety of all citizens. Police Assisting the Homeless (PATH) non-emergency Homeless Hotline voicemail can be reached at 727-551-3783.
Please immediately report any criminal activity or safety concerns to the SPPD directly by calling 727-893-7780 if not an emergency or 911 if an emergency. Thank you.
We work closely with various City departments and local social service providers to address issues faced by our homeless population, and we also work with neighborhood associations to address the concerns they have as well. Information may be found on this page of the StPete.org website:
https://www.stpete.org/residents/community/homelessness_social_services.php
Closed CNA Outreach (Verified Official)
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our Police Assisting The Homeless (PATH) team went out to this area. They came in contact with many unhoused individuals who they know from the area. They offered services however, the individuals did not want assistance at this time. Our Street Outreach and PATH officers are in this area daily and will continue to monitor and offer assistance to anyone they come into contact with as well as enforce local ordinances. Thank you again for reporting this to us.