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The homeless population in Charlotte County is creating quite a controversy. Now one woman is complaining to 4 In Your Corner that more homeless people than ever are hanging out in the park across from her home. I tried to find out if there's anything she can do about it.
Rosemary Coles moved to Port Charlotte more than twenty years ago.
"We loved being near the water and the quietness of the neighborhood and the peacefulness," said Coles. But now, she says her neighborhood is turning into a nightmare. Ever since homeless people started sitting around in the park across from her house, she says she doesn't feel at home.
"They sit on the park benches, they sit on top of the tables like as though it's their ownership rights and we don't feel comfortable going across the street to the park, let alone coming home at night," said Coles. Coles says she and her grandkids can't enjoy the park.
Michael, Cole's grandson: When they're gone, we go. And when they're still there, we don't go there anymore.
Marisa Mendelson, Fox 4: What do you call the people over there?
Michael, Cole's grandson: Bad guys.
I got on the phone. Charlotte County Officials say they can't do a thing because it's a public park and the homeless have the right to be there.
I checked it out myself and went to the area where the homeless usually convene. The group was small. One man played his guitar, another played harmonica and the others sipped on beer.
Marisa Mendelson, Fox 4: A lot of people who live right across the street say they don't feel safe coming to the park anymore because you're here. What do you think about that?
Dale Marcus, Homeless: Personally, truthfully, I don't bother anyone and none of my friends bother anyone.
The homeless are not allowed to sleep in the park. County officials tell me the pavillions are first come, first serve but people can reserve them.
MARISA MENDELSON
MMENDELSON@FOX4NOW.COM
