[jricci13]

I noticed two different families "panhandling" today. One family was standing with a sign at Rolling Acres Road and 441 by the shopping exit. The other was on Seven Miles Dr. in Wildwood. I have lived here a year and have never seen people begging for money.

I'm not talking about the few homeless adults that hangout by Walmart. These were young families with children running around. I don't know how to describe them without offending someone, but I would say that there is a possibility that they may have not been Americans. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen this? If so, who are they, why are they here, is this legal, and might their number increase?

[kaydee]

I’ve lived here for many yrs & yes this happens often. A few yrs ago there was vans in the Publix parking lot that contained a family with several children.. they all were working the area asking for money. Sad but true

[Dana1963]

Originally Posted by jricci13

I noticed two different families "panhandling" today. One family was standing with a sign at Rolling Acres Road and 441 by the shopping exit. The other was on Seven Miles Dr. in Wildwood. I have lived here a year and have never seen people begging for money.

I'm not talking about the few homeless adults that hangout by Walmart. These were young families with children running around. I don't know how to describe them without offending someone, but I would say that there is a possibility that they may have not been Americans. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen this? If so, who are they, why are they here, is this legal, and might their number increase?

If you feed them they will stay!
It may seem crude just ignore them DO NOT donate.
I also no longer donate to food pantries seems to perpetuate the problem.
Unfortunately, it isn't against laws to panhandle.
At one time panhandeling was asking for a donation you received something like pen or pencil now it's just plain begging.

[John-US]

We stopped and gave the man condoms, not sure he appreciated the gesture. but eh.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by kaydee

I’ve lived here for many yrs & yes this happens often. A few yrs ago there was vans in the Publix parking lot that contained a family with several children.. they all were working the area asking for money. Sad but true

They used to work the interstate rest areas telling people they do not have money for gas they are traveling to visit their sick dying parents.

Fell for that once and than met same people on next trip with same problem.

[Mortal1]

not about the villages

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

not about the villages

Post is of interest to me.

[Michael G.]

Time is money.
They got the time, they get the money, simple as that

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

not about the villages

Which is why it is in the "Non Villages Discussion" forum...

[Calisport]

In California they have 4 family members newly arrived on every end of median in a suburb of Orange County asking for money. That was really scary to see. It is time to roll up the windows.

[Bitsee]

What scares me is the fact they those people "work" the median strips in the middle of insanely busy traffic sometimes with small children and dogs in tow.
One distraction on thier part can cause a slip off the curb and fall head on into your vehicle as your passing by !
Guess what then....
Hello Dan Newlin and your getting sued for inattentive driving on your part !
Remember folks they have the right to be in those public areas according to Florida law(s) is what I was told when I expressed my concerns on this very same issue .
Please correct me if I'm wrong ~

[MrFlorida]

There are plenty of job openings at the places they panhandle, I don't feel sorry for them.

[Number 10 GI]

Originally Posted by MrFlorida

There are plenty of job openings at the places they panhandle, I don't feel sorry for them.

Agree, nearly every business in the near and far area have help wanted signs displayed.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Bitsee

Remember folks they have the right to be in those public areas according to Florida law(s) is what I was told when I expressed my concerns on this very same issue .
Please correct me if I'm wrong ~

Your right, as long as their in public sections, the law sees it's ok.

Just another (can't do a dam thing about it) subject like dogs in grocery stores and restaurants.

Two out of 3 of my pet peeves.
The 3rd. is loud pipes.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Calisport

In California they have 4 family members newly arrived on every end of median in a suburb of Orange County asking for money. That was really scary to see. It is time to roll up the windows.

There was a large family of Romany living in Fullerton and plying their trade up and down the county into San Clemente. The husband would sit in the minivan under at tree in the WalMart parking lot while momma and the babies (props) held up signs asking for money.

Romany (gypsies) can look white, Native American, or Hispanic depending on an individual coloring. They often pretend to be deaf or unable to speak English. They can speak English just fine.