FORT MYERS, FLA — Those struggling with homelessness say they're getting the boot once again, from outside of the Fort Myers Regional Library. The apparent decision comes just as the building prepares to reopen to the public on Tuesday.
"People from the library came and announced it amongst us. Some of us separate and some withing a group and told us just be prepared to leave here on Tuesday," said Rondan Keith.
Dozens have called the courtyard home during the COVID-19 pandemic because it was close to clean public toilets and showers, and because all area shelters are either closed or full.
"This area here was very well lit, it was clean. We had access to showers, bathrooms and it's a safe environment for me," said Keith.
As Fort Myers mayoral candidate, Jacquelyn McMiller spoke with some of the folks out there, we also learned a few stories:
There's Rambo, who says all his earthly possessions fit into a backpack and a trash bag he was carrying.
"It's all I have left," he said.
And then there's Terry Williams who's in stage four kidney failure.
"I take 16 different kind of pills. I ain't able to go to dialysis, I ain't able to take my medication, because half my medication [needs to be] freezing [cold]," Williams said.
And much like a bad case of deja vu, they tell Fox 4 again, that they don't know where they will go next.
"I don't know where to go now, I've been going to the library everyday and every month or so, we get booted out," said Phillip Smith.
City offices were closed Monday for Memorial Day, but we have reached out for a comment and are waiting to hear back.
