Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/108313
Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 Page 26 plaints and American Civil Liberties Union neighbors complained. Police pressure then lawsuits have pushed the issue. He came to moved them to Central Avenue and the Rosethe joint meeting Feb. 5 hoping to get some mary Cemetery — where they remain. county assistance. "Our [police] officers on the streets would apHe earlier empaneled an ad hoc working preciate some thoughtful help. What can we group to help him understand the local prob- do?" Barwin asked both commissions. The lem. The members report the City of Sarasota preliminary answer from his working group has about three times the number of homeless is to put more social workers on the street. people it should, using national statistics regarding the general population and the aver- "We don't have enough caseworkers. These age incidence of homelessness. This is a large folks are strained to their limits," said Barwin. "They believe up to 60 percent [of the homesqueaking wheel, in other words. less] are dealing with serious mental health Homeless and vagrant people in downtown's and substance abuse issues. The No. 1 priority Five Points Park prompted Mayor Suzanne is caseworkers." Atwell to tell a City Commission audience — and viewers watching on TV — last fall she "We would ask the county to mirror what we did not feel safe downtown. Police pressure do in the city. We do not need the city to be moved those groups to Gillespie Park, where a bigger magnet for the homeless," he added. Homeless people gather on Central Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel