Valdosta is known as a friendly, charming and welcoming community, which also makes the city an easy target for those who want to live off the generosity of others.

There are many, particularly in these difficult times, who are facing economic hardship due to layoffs, illnesses, and other issues they cannot control. These individuals need help, and rightfully so, and can hopefully find the assistance they need through one of our community’s many charitable organizations.

However, there are some who choose to live by other means, and a cottage industry has sprouted up in the city with vagrants and panhandlers stationed at posts on the interstate exits and beside busy intersections and stop lights. Many of these individuals treat their posts as others do a job, keeping regular hours and rotating shifts with others. They typically accept cash only, and will refuse attempts to hand them food or offer a job, even if that’s what their sign indicates they want.

These individuals are not in their position due to hardship, but are apparently making a conscious decision to attempt to make a living by these means. When they are peaceful, quiet and law abiding, they’re not an issue for most citizens, but when they become belligerent, yelling at passing cars, beating on driver’s windows, demanding cash, cursing, or threatening, then it’s time that something be done.

No business owner or patron should have to worry about being accosted by one of these individuals. No one should have the right to “squat” in a vacant lot and threaten others by their presence or their actions.

The city of Valdosta is currently drafting a vagrancy ordinance, which should be in place soon so that officers can force these folks to move on. In the meantime, report any suspicious or illegal activity, drive carefully in these areas, and be cautious at businesses where individuals are loitering.