I have just read on facebook that the property owners have reconsidered and in light of the support and admiration that this young man has from the local folks, he will be allowed and even encouraged to return to his place at the Wal-mart shopping center.

Well done and greatly appreciated.

louis b long et al

I am a mom with a sixteen year old and like Steve he has nothing to do in this wonderful town of Rockingham. I am being sarcastic! If the people of this town worried about the younger generation as much as themselves and took up time with them as they do themselves it might be an ok town to live in for people with younger kids. I see night clubs all over the place for all the older party people, all I've seen in this town for small kids is a skate rink and now Discovery Place. Please someone tell me what the teens have to do. By the way, I have never seen Steve or anyone else out in the road at the shopping center endangering anyone. I say God bless Steve and keep him safe where ever he goes and I also ask God to keep him safe when I see him riding his bike on the busy roads. Pray about all of this people! I also ask God to open the eyes of some of these blind people in authority of this county and get off your butts and stand up for the kids in this county.

As far as everyone blaming Walmart, it's not their property that he is on. To the people who talk about homeless people being banned, you don't know those people or what they have been through. My husband and I used to help a homeless man that everyone else told to get a job. This poor man had a good job and family and was hit by a car. He couldn't work and his family took his settlement money and left him with nothing. He couldn't work and couldn't get disability without an address. This man was a wonderful man and would still be in our lives if we hadn't moved. So before you judge someone you should walk a mile in their shoes!!!

The other day someone on my facebook page posted an "e-mail" from the person who banned Scuba from the parking lot.I think what he says in his e-mail is CRAZY why should Scuba have to carry insurance? He is not going to make the bums carry insurance or the people selling produce. This is RIDICULOUS

Here is the e-mail from the man:

Thank you for your emails regarding the issue with Steve at the Falling Creek Shopping Center. I hope there is no problem in my responding to you all in one email.

The problem is one of liability. We have had complaints from some shoppers. With complaints being registered with us, we (the owner) has been ‘put on notice’ should there be a confrontation of any nature or should someone get injured in or around the area where Steve may be performing. He at times has roped off several parking spaces where he then set up for his performance. Should any bystander standing there to listen and observe be struck by a vehicle or trip and fall over any item(s) he is using legal counsel is concerned with potential lawsuits which could extend to the property owner.

We have no objection to his type of performing, it is entertaining. However, we cannot ignore the liability.

If there was any way we could accommodate him without placing the owner in a position of liability we would be glad to do so. The only thing that comes to mind is: (a) a written agreement identifying a specific area where could set up, and (b) him supplying liability insurance coverage. I would be glad to discuss this matter with either or all of you if you have any suggestions.

Thank you,

Bill Hicks

Income Properties of Raleigh, Inc.

1049 Dresser Court

Raleigh, NC 27609

919-782-4798

fax 782-8297

cell 522-5778

Everyone needs to understand, you are in a county that cares about no one. As far as Native Americans, i am one and dont know how anyone can say, he sounds like a native american. People need to watch what they say. As for Scuby, i see him and talk with him just about everytime i go to wal-mart, he is a wonderful person. and as far as the one that said put him in your church, im in church every Sunday, and beleive me i have heard some bad singing in them. Does anyone know the reason behind the reason Scuby is like he is, if not you need to find out, very sad....Love you all and God bless you.....Carolyn

I agree with others this is crazy, he was not bothering anyone and what bothers me is the fact that the young people that vacat the parking lots at night rather it was walmart's or peking lot side have not been asked to leave, twice I have came out of the store and almost been hit by a kid crusing, and once coming out of peking lot one was shouting vulgar comments to me and a friend, I feel the onnly reason that Scuba was asked to leave is that the property owners are trying to beautify their proprerty, well take your high society somewhere else cause Rockingham does not want the reputation that we think we are better than others

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that Crazy Ivan doesn't have a heart. I hope that whoever banned Scuba from the Walmart Parking Lot has read the letter of complaint and the responses from the caring individuals that have posted their comments. If anyone knows the name of that person please post it so he or she may be contacted.

It is private property and as such the owners have the right to regulate the activity that occurs on it. Just as you, Joe/Jane Citizen, have the right not to go there. So if you dont like it, dont go back there to shop.

Anyway, this guy does not sing, more like Native American chanting..It is amazing what get people in this county riled up...Christianity and Scuba Steve.....maybe y'all should get him to sing in your church chorus, or outside of your church on Sunday. That I would pay to see.

Who is the property owner? Scuba Steve is Richmond County's celebrity. Seeing him performing is the highlight of going to Walmart. He can put a smile on someone's face when they are feeling down. I agree with the above comments. Stop the people from hanging in the parking lot that are holding signs for money. Whoever is responsible for banning Scuba should be ashamed of themselves for harrassing an innocent young man. We love you Scuba!

Scuba Steve is a local celebrity. He has now moved down near Food Lion. Drive by there and show him some love. It is Falling Creek Plaza's loss!!

I know how this can be resolved, Sheriff Clemmons should make him a special deputy who is on duty at will to observe possible violations on the property, after all, we all go there and we need someone to be looking out for us, and he could also sing for us, this violation of one of our favorite citizens should not be allowed to continue.

I`m sure that Wal-mart could handle this by asking the property owner to with-draw, they do have clout, this is ridiculous.

louis b long et al

p/s if it is in the citys juristriction, then the city should take care of it

I agree this is BS he never bother nobody he is so sweet and caring and just loves playing his guitar or drums and singing his little heart this has become a new low for Walmart and they should be ashamed for hurting a innocent mans feelings like that shame on you Walmart if there is a petition that needs to be signed let me know cause my entire family as well will sign our names to it without second thought we all support you scuba

April Banks

I have by no means suggested a ban on Walmart. I certainly am not pointing the blame finger at anyone. I am simply stating the my oppinion on the matter.

From my understanding of the situation, it was not Wal-Mart but the property owners that asked him not to return. Blame needs to be placed where blame belongs. It bothers me that a boycott of the Rockingham Wal-Mart has been suggested when the store may not be to blame.

I didn't even know this young man or even his name but he will be missed. He apparently had a calling or at least felt he did and as far as my family saw he was doing no harm and was dedicated to what he was doing. Come on Wal-mart and show a little compassion. Shalom.

Ernest Andrews

I don't know the entire story either all i know is "hear say" and what i see posted on Facebook. However, I agree with you 100% "Scuba" is not out there harassing people for money he is out there singing his heart out and doing what he loves. Every time he sees us he says "hello" and asks how we are doing. This man is so sweet if anyone should be banned from the parking lots it should be the people that are sitting on the curbs with signs that say homeless will work for ______. The majority of the time it is a man who is holding the sign, granted I don't know these people personally but from previous experience working in grocery stores and gas stations these "homeless people" get money from people who feel sorry for them and go buy beer or cigarettes. So if anyone needs to be banned its the "panhandlers"

"Scuba" is out there entertaining and not bothering a soul. If a petition is needed to get "Scuba Steve" back out to Walmart in his spot to entertain just let me know I will happily sign my name, my husband will sign his name, matter of fact my entire family will sign their names.

Also if Scuba can't sing in the parking lot then not only should the panhandlers be banned but the people selling produce should be banned as well, produce needs to be sold at a PRODUCE STAND not in the back of your truck in a parking lot.