Florida sheriff accuses Orange Beach police of ‘homeless dumping’

Tensions have flared across state lines as the Escambia County, Florida Sheriff’s Office and the city of Orange Beach find themselves locked in a public dispute over allegations of "homeless dumping."

The Accusation

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons ignited the firestorm this Thursday when he took to Facebook to share a photograph of an Orange Beach police cruiser. Simmons accused the Alabama-based department of transporting a homeless individual across the state line into Pensacola, dropping the person off at the Waterfront Mission with $20 in hand.

"Why is this happening?" Simmons asked in his post. "Orange Beach Police Department ‘homeless relocation unit’ recently traveled the 30 miles or so to Escambia County, FL to drop off an individual. Surely someone in Alabama has a heart to provide necessary services. Our tax dollars should NOT go to provide services to the entire southeast.”

Orange Beach Responds

The city of Orange Beach pushed back against the claims in a formal press release, asserting that their officer acted with compassion rather than coercion. City Administrator Ford Handley stated that the individual explicitly requested to be taken to the Waterfront Mission, a request the officer honored while utilizing the Police Benevolent Fund to provide financial assistance.

"The Orange Beach Police Department does not have a ‘homeless relocation unit,’" the city stated, with Handley adding that the officer's actions were intended to be helpful, not punitive. The city maintains that the public characterization of the event is inaccurate.

Contradictory Evidence

The dispute deepened when the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office countered the city's narrative by posting bodycam footage on Facebook. According to the Sheriff’s office, the video contradicts the city's assertion that the man requested a ride to Pensacola. In his interview with WEAR News, Sheriff Simmons emphasized that this is a growing concern for his jurisdiction, noting that moving people across county and state lines puts an undue strain on local taxpayers.

Community and Future Relations

While local officials spar over jurisdiction, advocacy groups are focusing on the broader need for support. Derek Boulware, CEO of HOPE for All Gulf Coast, stated to 205focus.com that the organization remains committed to helping vulnerable community members find local resources. Those in need of housing assistance are encouraged to visit hfal.org, contact Coordinated Entry at (251) 450-3345, or email coordinatedentry@hfal.org.

Despite the current friction, the city of Orange Beach noted that they have two memorandums of understanding currently under review with Escambia County regarding emergency management services and fire protection for Perdido Key. As of now, further comments from Orange Beach police and city officials have been difficult to obtain.