‘Commentary to the community:’ Local police cracking down on homeless camps

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach Police Department is cracking down on homeless camps after a new state mandated ban on public sleeping and camping.

The department provided pictures on social media of two different camps around 3rd Street. Officer found items that were connected to several thefts at the nearby Nordstrom Rack and Target.

It led to two arrests.

They said several people were living in the homeless camps; however the problem is much larger. After officers took down the two homeless camps, employees at a Jacksonville Beach shopping plaza said it has made a huge difference after they noticed some repeat customers no longer show.

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“We haven’t seen this one woman come in, which is a good thing considering she was touching everything and messing with our products. We always had to sanitize to make sure our customers don’t get sick, Sarina Hernandez, employee at Bath and Body Works.

The Jacksonville Beach Police Department posted several pictures of the camps on Facebook, which they said show several stolen items, including bikes.

Reuben Creslin was arrested for retail theft. Another man, Nicholas Caldwell had an outstanding warrant from 2019.

Officers also issued two warnings for camping in public.

One shopper, Dr. Bob Bersh, said there is a growing homeless problem in the area. He believes the city must provide more housing and supplies for the homeless, or we will continue to see more of these crimes.

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“A lot of people are stealing because they are desperate. They’re not stealing necessarily because they have nothing better to do with their lives,” said Dr. Bersh.

He adds the times we are living in have been challenging, which he believes has contributed to the growing number of people living on the streets.

“With an increasing prevalence of un-affordability that is happening, not only throughout this area, but throughout the country, we have to recognize that these folks are going to need to be paid attention to,” said Dr. Bersh.

Jacksonville Beach Police Department said officers work with the beach’s only homeless shelter, Mission House which offers housing, food, and financial assistance for anyone who needs it.

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