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Sarasota News Leader November 29, 2013 Page 19 Marbut's suggestion of a unified system of countywide ordinances to deal with issues revolving around homelessness is another big step in the right direction, Knight noted. Those laws would be similar to countywide ordinances regulating pain clinics and precious metals. Foundation's homeless children and families committee, said Monday's votes set the path for a new, better way of addressing homelessness in Sarasota County. Situations involving the city's and county's separate panhandling ordinances made it clear earlier this year how a patchwork system can create problems, Knight noted, referring to a court case that went against the City of Sarasota — necessitating quick County Commission action to change county regulations. "I have been here 30-plus years, and the recommendations by Dr. Marbut will be one of the biggest turning points in Sarasota County," Spitler added. "What happened in there was huge," Spitler told the News Leader outside the County Commission Chambers Monday. The complex and difficult problems associated with homelessness have not been handled well locally, Spitler noted. Monday's commission motions combined for "landmark" Bill Spitler, director of planning and research action that will help make the community a for the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and "better place and safer place for everyone," a member of the Gulf Coast Community Spitler said. Mayor Shannon Snyder listens to the discussion. Photo by Norman Schimmel