Beggers on International Drive

[hornetgirl]

I'm a bit surprised at the lack of sympathy in this thread. I get that there are unscrupulous types who try their luck with tourists but there are also a lot of people who are genuinely homeless/struggling. We noticed this a lot around the lake in Lake Eola. No one approached us but we bought a sandwich, crisps and coffee which we gave to a young man who looked like he needed it. He was very surprised and also very appreciative.

[Guest]

Whilst I do appreciate there are lost souls about, the authorities just seem to move them from one place to another. When we first used to walk round Lake Eola there were a few homeless but now the area has been taken over by them. It is no longer a pleasure to walk round there.
I'm usually the first to defend said people but they are washing in the public toilets, taking up seats complete with their goods and chattels in the lakeside Panera's who don't move them on when patently obviously refilling their 7/11 cups with coffee, sodas etc. I certainly wouldn't be buying food for them, they all have smart phones, Kindles etc.

[tarik]

We were only asked once up at the Florida mall car park. Guy asked if we had any spare change, politely declined and he moved on. Never seen anything on I drive but can imagine some of the car parks behind some of the restaurants being unsafe places as they aren't so well lit.