ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 learned some workers at Orlando International Airport say homeless people sleeping overnight in passenger waiting areas has become a growing problem.
“They just pretty much hang out down here by the Lynx bus area,” said employee Carlos Pourshahidi.
Workers said it essentially makes the busiest airport in Florida a shelter.
In 2014, 78 people deemed loitering or a transient were trespassed from the airport.
Orlando police records put the number at 100.
Those who couldn’t afford to leave were given a free bus pass and sent on their way.
While airport authorities won’t say homelessness is the cause, a bed bug problem has reportedly developed in areas where transients have been found sleeping.
“That’s definitely a concern,” said passenger Jessica Morris.
The airport received a dozen reports of bed bug outbreaks last year, but maintenance staff only confirmed one case.
On four occasions from July to December, special exterminators were hired to get rid of bed bugs at OIA, costing $1,200.
“I think it shows more about the public need and the fact that it's now spreading to people in the airport shows how great it's getting,” Morris said.
Art Devine, the director of maintenance at OIA, released a statement that read, “As the busiest airport in the nation’s most visited region, Orlando International hosts nearly 100,000 travelers every day from diverse destinations. We have an integrated pest management system if we receive a report of a problem, we respond immediately to mitigate. As in other public facilities, Individuals who have been identified as not having valid reasons to be in the airport are directed to depart.”
WFTV
