Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/251767
and city commissioners have traveled to Clearwater to tour Pinellas Safe Harbor, and county staff members have visited similar sites across the country. Hines said, "You never plan to have a home- less shelter. But we need it." That is why the County Commission voted to allow the community housing funds to be used for such a facility and related services, Hines added. Like Barbetta, Hines is worried plans will become mired in debate, with the two city commissioners publicly taking a stand against the concept of a city shelter. "Dr. Marbut said the worst thing is to do noth- ing and debate this," Hines pointed out. "I can see if [Shaw and Chapman] want to make the case that a come-as-you-are shel- ter is not the right option right now," Hines said. "If they want to make that case, fine. I'm not seeing that. What we're seeing is more … emotion than rational basis." Although not every homeless person in the community would be expected to utilize a shelter, Hines added that putting such a facil- ity in place is an important step in getting people off the streets. "If not, either they live in the woods or are put in jail, and neither of those work for the com- munity or the homeless," Hines pointed out. As for those who might refuse to stay in a shelter but who still would want to avail them- selves of its services, he continued, "This isn't the community where they need to be." % Manuel R. Chepote, LUTCF Chepote Insurance Inc. 1300 Main Street • Sarasota, Florida (941) 366-0100 Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties agents.allstate.com/manuel-r-chepote-sarasota-fl.html Click for driving directions Auto • Home • Life Renters • Motorcycles Flood • Business • Annuities Financial Services Sarasota News Leader January 31, 2014 Page 18