It may be the only time some lives lost while experiencing homelessness may be recognized. To Eric Peters, it's heartbreaking. "Some of them died and didn't have to. Some of them were elderly and should have been in a facility but couldn't afford it," Peters said. Peters, who is experiencing homelessness himself in Pinellas County, said people should be treated the same as others, regardless of their backgrounds. Dozens attended a memorial service honoring 91 people who died in the county. Each of their names was read out loud at the Unitarian Universalist Church by Mirror Lake as part of a nationwide observance. The community also laid flowers as part of the memorial. "This could be my name on this list and that's a reality," Peters said. The memorial comes amid scrutiny over recent and upcoming legislation in Florida that critics feel may harm people experiencing homelessness. In Florida, a ban on sleeping on public property took effect in October. Starting in January, residents may sue local governments for violating the state law. Supporters said the bill will help eliminate the nuisance of homeless people living on public property and parks. They also argue it will be easier to provide local services to the homeless if they're in one location. "I don't think criminalization is ever the right approach. We need more resources from private citizens and from government partners," Pastor Sam Picardi of Missio Dei Church said. Speakers highlighted the need for more help for those on the frontlines helping people without a permanent roof over their heads, along with the need to prioritize affordable housing. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/pinellas-county-st-petersburg-florida-homelessness/67-f9e27ce4-7701-4153-8376-3f9508a21fed