FL- Sex Offenders Living Under Bridge Claim They Are Being Forced Out

1-30-2009 Florida:

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Juan Martin is a convicted sex offender and says because he can't live near schools so he's forced to live under the Julia Tuttle Causeway.

Martin says the place is becoming overcrowded and admits some people have built make shift homes outside of the bridge. But that's where the problem comes in. He says Miami Police have threatened to arrest anyone who does not keep their living quarters under the bridge.

He's not alone; about 40 other sex offenders have taken up residence under the bridge. They literally transformed the area into living quarters, complete with kitchen and bathroom. They say it's their only choice. The group says they don't want sympathy, they just want a place to stay -- and to be left alone.

Martin says it's not the first time the group has been threatened that they would be removed from under the bridge.

For now there is no solution and the group says they have nowhere else to go.

Officials plan to have a meeting on the issue next month. ..News Source.. by NBC6.net