Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/129431
THE HOMELESS A man seeks handouts from drivers along Bee Ridge Road in late April. Photo by Norman Schimmel ANALYSIS: HOW CAN SO FEW CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE? By Stan Zimmerman City Editor Sarasota's game of homeless "Whac-a-Mole" has taken a couple of twists in the past 10 days. On Wednesday, May 1, the bulk of the grassy area at Five Points Park downtown was draped with orange construction screening to give the grass a respite. The shady park — screening and all — is a popular staging area for Sarasota's homeless. tell the city commissioners not to get in the way of that plan. The commissioners then took counter-fire from downtown merchants with stories of how vagrants are driving away business with vulgarity and filth. On Tuesday, May 7, the homeless camp on Florida Avenue was demolished, following a warning three days earlier for the people The following Monday, May 6, a rumor swept staying there to remove their belongings or the ranks of Sarasolose them. ta's homeless that a If history is any guide, gift of $2 million and We need your help. We need a safe the "Florida Avenue land for a tent city was place to be. Gang" has already being offered. Homefound another shady less men and women Robin Cousino walked to City Hall to place to squat.