Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/336863
homeless adults and that they do want to con- tinue looking for potential sites. Thus, the idea of a homeless shelter in Sarasota remains alive, at least until September. That is when both commissions will meet once again to discuss the project. "I don't want to give this up," said Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason. "I am not ready to give up on the problem," agreed Mayor Willie Shaw. But the work that has to be done is substan- tial, and city and county staffs have conflicting approaches how to fund the facility. Staffers from both the city and county will work with homelessness consultant Robert Marbut to scour the community once again for possible sites, this time keeping eyes out specifically for properties with existing struc- tures that can be converted to a shelter, a plan thought to be less expensive than construct- ing a brand new facility. Three county commissioners appear uncer- tain the project will ever come to fruition. After months of debate over the issue with the divided City Commission, they say they do not think there is enough political will in the city to support the shelter. For County Commission Chairman Charles Hines, that history portends little likelihood of progress in a renewed search for a loca- tion. "The city had nine months to bring a site within the city, and it didn't occur," Hines said. "I don't believe that will happen." City and county staff members, along- side Marbut, have already studied about 80 County Commission Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 38