Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Year later, city softens its position on homeless

By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published December 30, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - It was a public relations nightmare.

Less than two days after two homeless men were killed on the streets, city officials raided a homeless camp in January, seizing more than 20 tents and, in some cases, slashing tents while homeless people were still inside.

Mayor Rick Baker and police Chief Chuck Harmon later called the removal of the tents a mistake after the public outcry but said the city had acted legally.

That was a year ago.

Today city officials seem reluctant to confront St. Petersburg's growing homeless population, even in instances in which they have the authority to do so.

An ordinance that prohibits sleeping in the right of way if shelter beds are available has not been enforced since Pinellas Hope, an outdoor shelter operated by Catholic Charities, opened earlier this month.

City officials have also mostly ignored the dozens of homeless people who have set up a makeshift camp outside City Hall in recent months. Members of the group began leaving their blankets and luggage piled on the sidewalk throughout the day earlier this month.

A city ordinance prohibits cluttering the public right of way, but city officials said they could not ask the homeless to remove their possessions from the sidewalk because the group's actions could be considered an act of protest, which is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

The city's recent behavior has drawn criticism from those who say all ordinances regarding the homeless should be strictly enforced.

"It's ridiculous," said council member Bill Foster.

"If I ever want outdoor storage, I'll just call it a protest."

[Last modified December 29, 2007, 23:22:28]