A meeting to discuss the situation with Tampa police on Wednesday was canceled.
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa’s River Arts District has a clear draw. Many will even tell you it’s an urban paradise.
“I basically walk everywhere,” resident Aimee Tarte said. “I just really fell in love with the walkability and being across from the Riverwalk.”
It’s the reason Tarte didn’t just choose to live there — but open her coffee shop business within walking distance just across the river.
But over the last six months, she says that all changed.
“We are honestly scared to live there and walk around our own block,” she said.
Tarte and her neighbors shared photos with 10 Tampa Bay News. They say 20-30 people who are homeless occupy the streets and parking garages near their homes.
But they say the problem is not that they’re there — rather the actions they’re taking.
“They harass people, throw things, they’re dealing drugs, doing drugs,” Tarte said.
She says it’s gotten so bad that they’ve reached out to Tampa police repeatedly but have been met with the same response.
“‘We’re trying our best.’ That’s what I keep hearing,” Tarte said. “‘We’re doing the best we can. We understand.’”
10 Tampa Bay News received a similar message Wednesday, with Tampa police saying in a statement that they are aware of the situation, have proactive patrols in the area and are partnering with agencies to provide support to these individuals.
The statement read: “The Tampa Police Department is aware of concerns regarding issues of homelessness, substance abuse, and related disturbances. We work closely with the community to address these issues and to assist those in need of resources. This includes proactive patrols in the area, responding to complaints quickly, and partnering with local agencies who provide vital support to homeless individuals and those dealing with addiction.
The Tampa Police Department is dedicated to ensuring that our city continues to be a safe place for all. Everyone is entitled to a sense of safety and security, regardless of the time of day or the location, and any advice suggesting otherwise is not reflective of our commitment to the community.
We have officers who are assigned specifically as Homeless Affairs Liaisons. These officers work closely with patrol and bicycle officers in the downtown area to address issues related to homelessness by enforcing the law and focusing on connecting those who are homeless with the resources they may need. We encourage the community to continue reporting any criminal activity or concerns so we can all continue making Tampa safer, together.”
There was supposed to be a meeting at the Rivergate Tower at 2 p.m. Wednesday between residents, downtown organizations and Tampa police to try and address this issue. 10 Tampa Bay News reached out and was told we could not attend — and minutes after residents said they received this email informing them the meeting had since been canceled.
“I think it’s interesting,” Tarte said. “I think it’s unfortunate, and I hope that it gets rescheduled so we can go be a part of it.
“Do I start driving? Do I have to change my entire life and my routine of why I moved here … That’s not something I want to do, so I hope that this gets the word out and that we can work together to find a solution.”
There’s no word at this time on when this meeting will be rescheduled. In the meantime, Tampa police are asking residents to continue to report any criminal activity.