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The parcel at 1800 N. East Ave. in Sarasota also is the focus of due diligence as a potential shelter location. Photo by Norman Schimmel I don't think giving up is an option, and the city has to step up on this. Joe Barbetta Commissioner Sarasota County come-as-you-are shelter plan that is a cor- nerstone of consultant Robert Marbut's recommendations for addressing homeless- ness in the area. Hines points out that Marbut was asked by the city and the county to study the local situ- ation and come up with solutions. "We're not just making this decision willy-nilly," Hines told the News Leader. Doing nothing is not an option, he added. This week he publicly affirmed his support for Marbut's proposal for a city shelter. "Without a come-as-you-are shelter, we are going to be stuck with what we have now," Hines said during the regular County Commission meet- ing on Tuesday. He wants to see alternatives — and not just opposition — from those pro- testing the concept of a facility in the City of Sarasota. During that May 6 session, Hines' fellow commissioners also reiterated the county's commitment to a project that could cost mil- lions in construction and operating expenses. "If nothing is done, the street homelessness is going to increase. It's pretty obvious," said Commissioner Joe Barbetta. "We either go forward with this, or we give up." T h e c o m m e n t s c a m e a f t e r c o u n t y Homelessness Coordinator Wayne Applebee updated the commissioners on the project. County staff is continuing studies of two potential shelter sites, with an eye toward the next joint session of the County and City commissions, which is set for June 23. "Both sites remain viable and are going t h r o u g h t h e m a s s i v e d u e d i l i g e n c e , " Applebee said. Sarasota News Leader May 9, 2014 Page 49