Sarasota's Homeless Problem

Many of the homeless are ineligible for the Salvation Army's beds because of the $10 fee. The beds are considered an occasional luxury.

"Why can't it be free?" she asked, if the aim is really to help them.


Everyone is entitled to a limited number of free days each year. After those days are used up they are required to pay the $10 fee. If they didn't charge a fee people would move in their permanently. After a short period of time the place would fill up and become a free place to live for ever. The idea is to provide them with temporary shelter to help them, not be a permanent place to live.

This is only the beginning. It's a sensitive issue for a lot of people, but truth be told Sarasota has already gathered a reputation as a destination for homeless people from all over. Because of all the recent hype SPD's hands are now tied. This problem is going to get exponentially worse very quickly.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20130206/COLUMNIST/130209727/2416/NEWS?Title=Lyons-So-where-should-the-homeless-go-

That is in the city of Sarasota. Not the unincorporated. It is still illegal to solicit from the road ways or impede the flow of traffic.

So can a deputy arrest a roadside solicitor in the city? I have noticed a huge increase in solicitors already.

No the county ordinance specifically states only in the unincorporated parts of the county. hower the any person can be cited by Troopers,Deputies, any Law enforcement if they are impeding the flow of traffic under state statute and that can even occur insides city limits. Even the the city ordinance is repealed they can still be cited by city police Under state law

316.130(5)