Busted!
About two hours ago at the Mount Dora, Wal Mart. I will give the exact location, as I will no longer be using that location and suggest not taking up residence, unless needed. At about 4 something in the AM, in a deep sleep. I get a tapping on my rear window, turn over to be blinded by a mag light. Female voice asked me some questions, but I'm half asleep and blinded. Ask her to please move the light and how was her day? Trying to be nice and smiled, as I just assumed it was cop (can't see due to blinding light, glasses on dash, and headlights blinding through the windshield. So she moves the light and said she's doing good, then asks what am I doing here and for ID. I did not want to lie, seeing as my license is from Clearwater (not far away) and registration is from Orlando. So I told her doing what I can to survive, I have an interview in the morning, in Leesburg; wish me luck! At this point she started to seem more worried and ask me to get my license and she went to the back to run my plates. She ran my plates and my license, clean. She of course ask if I had no where to go. If I had drug/alcohol problems (I hate that people assume this). When I answered her qeastions, she asked the dreaded qeastion I hate most,"Why are you homeless?" I did not answer, because I do not feel homeless. While I never thought I would be sleeping in a car, I always found "creative" lifestyles interesting and "smart" (especially for a college student). I asked why did she wake me, is there a city ordance? She pointed to a sighn and said yes it's strictly enforced. Then went on about snabbings and homeless in the area. Not knowing what to say but,"I hope there okay, I can move over to the next town if my presence is a problem." She said I should be okay for the night, but I should get permission from Wal Mart. I told her I have asked in past and they said it was alright, as long as I park out of the way. I even told her RV's and Vans park all the time... Then she said those are okay, there met for sleeping. But she left without hassle.
At this point I decided I should leave within the next 10 mins, after I wake up a bit (as not to be a danger on the road). I watch her do her checks in the parking lot, then leave. She never did go into Wal Mart, so I don't think someone inside called. But did take a strectch to get more awake and check out the sign, 82.210. From a google search, it just states no vehicle can be parked for more the 12 hours. So I go back to my car, mostly awake and about to leave.
When a Tahoe police car pulls in front of me and up to my bumper. Then two Crown Vics pull up. At this point I knew it was going to be bad, I place my hands on the dash and kept them there as they approached my car from all angles, with hands on there weapons. I said morning, how's everyone? Still trying to be friendly... Cop from the Tahoe asked if I worked here, I told them "no, I was just awaken by a female cop and was about to leave after I wake up a bit." They radioed something in and asked me to step out of the car. I politely told them "no, I would like to remain in the safety of my vehicle and leave as soon as possible." He yelled,"step out of my vehicle so they can search for my drugs or I will be arrested on felony charges." I told them,"I do not consent to any searches and will not answer anymore questions; unless an attorneys present." Then rolled my window up, placing my hands back on the dash. Heart is pounding through my chest, awaiting what ever is next. The Tahoe cop who was doing all the talking goes back and gets his dog. They go around the vehicle and the dog does not do anything. Then they told me to have a good day and left. So I leave, never to come back.
I guess I need to get the money together for window tint, plastic rain guards (so I can still crack the window), and shade for the front window... Then just park on the public streets in Orlando.
