Tampa,  Florida --  Most of us see them every day on our street corners. This week, Tampa's city council refused to take action to deal with the panhandling issue. It is a growing concern for both city and county officials.

"Every one of us could face what they face and I think all of us have a responsibility to make things better, to make life better for people who are in need," Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe said.

Panhandlers can be found on just about every major intersection in Tampa. John Paul, 63, has been out of work for over six months and says he's just trying to get by the best way he can.

"I don't really want to do this. I'm doing it now because work is hard to find and sometimes you need just a little boost," Paul said.

Panhandling has caught the attention of local law enforcement concerned about public safety.