Officers destroy tents; Mayor backs melee

ST. PETERSBURG - The city of St. Petersburg's battle against its homeless residents escalated today when police slashed their tents to the ground and threw them away.

Homeless bystanders stood by and watched in shock, many with tears streaming down their faces.

"This is sickening," said Viola resident, whose tent was cut up and thrown out.

The plan was put together by the mayor's office, and the city police and fire departments.

Fire department personnel and police showed up around 4 p.m. near the intersection of 15th Street and 15th Avenue North.

Earlier this week, homeless residents were told they were okay to set up their tents at that location.

But city officials said the tents were a code violation and a fire hazard.

Fire/rescue personnel closed off the street, then about 25 officer went to work with boxcutters.

They cut the tents to ribbons, and then threw some away, but left some on the ground.

They didn't move any of the belongings inside the tent.

The homeless nearby watched in shock.

One man was bent over, in tears.

"What are we, dogs?" said Wilson.