Call the police if there is panhandling or fighting. They can and will do something about that. The more times things are reported, the more it becomes a priority for them. They will also make sure that the park is clear at night time. The park is free for anyone to enjoy during the daylight hours,

This report has been forwarded to the Office of Veteran, Social & Homeless Services - information may be found on this page of the StPete.org website:

http://www.stpete.org/community/homelessness/

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. Our Police Department has a Street Outreach Team 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. 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.

Thank you for reporting this. I have asked our homeless street outreach team to go by this location to offer their assistance to anyone they find in need of help. If willing to accept help, our outreach team will get them connected to shelter, housing, meals, medical care, substance abuse treatment and other services they may be in need of. I also referred this to our newly established "Police Assisting The Homeless" Team in the Police Department and asked them to monitor this location at all hours of the day, including evening and early morning hours. Should they encounter anyone, they will also offer their help, including free transportation to shelter. We will continue to monitor this area to offer our assistance to anyone in need of help, as well as enforce local ordinances. Thank you again for reporting this to us.

Theresa Jones. Manager
Veterans, Homeless, and Social Services

Follow-up reminder from Homeless & Social Services: please continue to report homelessness issues directly to the St. Petersburg Police Department’s Street Outreach Team – their Police Assisting the Homeless (PATH) non-emergency voicemail can be reached at 727-551-3783. Additional details may be found here:

http://www.stpete.org/community/homelessness/street_outreach_team.php

As always, any illegal activity should be reported directly to the SPPD by calling 727-893-7780 (for non-emergencies) or 911 (for emergencies.)