Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/336863
But local officials will have to act fast if they find something, because the commercial real estate market moves quickly, often much more so than local government, Marbut said. Meanwhile, as the city and county elected officials struggle to find a suitable site, the problems associated with chronic homeless- ness are becoming more evident in the city's core, Marbut told the joint commissions on Monday. "You had two violent incidents" in the last two months, he said, referring to a murder and a death under investigation. "Those [numbers] will keep going up." The total of homeless individuals, including homeless military veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, could increase by 20 to 25 percent in a few months' time, Marbut added. 'CALL US WHEN YOU ARE READY' At one point during the meeting, the con- cept of the shelter project seemed to face a stalemate. County Commissioner Joe Barbetta said he did not want to see the county spend any more time working on the project until city admin- istrative staff and the city commissioners brought forth a location they had endorsed. "I don't think the city is ready," Barbetta added. "I don't think the leadership is there. To put our staff under more meetings and running around isn't worth it." The county's 'potential approach' for funding has the city and county together covering up to 78 percent of the costs. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 40