Community leaders ask for action on homelessness
County, Sheriff’s Office set workshop for Oct. 20
More than 2,700 people are without homes in Lee County, according to the most recent census of the Lee County Homeless Coalition.
Drivers travelling down U.S. 41 at the intersection of Hancock Bridge Parkway are seeing the stark reality of that number — individuals standing at the intersection, holding small cardboard signs saying they are homeless and need help, and asking for money from people stopped at the light.
Nearby, at the old Hancock Bridge Square Shopping Center, sleeping bags may be seen set up under the overhangs.
Homelessness is a chronic problem, not only in North Fort Myers, but throughout Lee County and it has become worse as people have lost their jobs and homes throughout the pandemic, officials say.
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, concerned North Fort Myers residents, county commissioners and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff Carmine Marceno will meet in commission chambers for a workshop to discuss the issue and find ways to solve the problem.
Commissioner Brian Hamman, whose district includes North Fort Myers, said the goal of the workshop is to work with groups that deal with the issue of homelessness to understand what policies or projects the county needs to address or fund to mitigate the challenge.
“The LCSO and the Human Services Department is working on this and we want to deepen that relationship and the level of coordination and see what support the board can offer,” Hamman said.
The issue was brought up and discussed at length during September’s North Fort Myers Civic Association meeting.
Civic Association President Doug Dailey said he hopes to bring North District Captain Joe More in for the next civic association meeting on Oct. 13.
“It seems to be becoming a health and safety issue. Unfortunately, it seems Hancock Square is becoming a place where the homeless are gathering and cars are coming for overnight stays,” Dailey said. “When you drive down Hancock and 41, they’re everywhere and it’s becoming a turf war.”
Danny Ballard rode with More to show him the areas he considers to be problematic.
Florida Statutes prevent law enforcement from removing panhandlers on medians. Law enforcement can ask them to leave, but if they don’t, law enforcement can take no action unless they impede traffic.
As for private property, deputies cannot require persons to vacate unless and until the owner puts up no trespassing signs.
According to John Gardner, North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce president, the only way to get individuals off private property is to have the property owner or a representative present.
“I have offered my services to anyone who wants the homeless removed from their property. I will be there, even at 3 a.m.” Gardner said. “The county commissioners need to draft an ordinance to prevent this.”
Gardner said there are individuals who are living under near the bridge on Hancock Bridge Parkway, near his business. He said they can oftentimes be seen washing their clothes in the creek by the side of his building, some of them naked.
He said he would like them removed.
“Not a single one of them lost their job as a result of COVID,” Gardner said. “They don’t want to follow the rules, which is why they aren’t in shelters. They don’t want help. They are enabled by the free food and showers.”
Dailey also said it’s time to stop playing nice and go public with it.
“The county commission has had enough time to handle the situation. I really think it’s time for this organization to put it out there,” Dailey said, adding private property owners need to be made responsible if they allow their property to be used in this manner.
“We need to tell them enough is enough,” Dailey said.
The LCSO issued a statement saying it would hold a press conference in the future regarding this topic, but made no specific comments regarding North Fort Myers.