Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/344348
Valerie Guillory had a message for the Sarasota County commissioners this week. "I need you all to stand strong and keep moving towards a solution," said Guillory, addressing the effort to build a come-as-you- are homeless shelter in Sarasota. Guillory, an advocate for the homeless and e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r o f Tr i n i t y Wi t h o u t Borders, reported to the board this week that community con- ditions are getting w o r s e . A c a m p o f homeless people off Washington Boulevard in the City of Sarasota has "regrouped itself" and expanded since a city homeless outreach team shuttered it weeks ago, and more problems have arisen with the people staying there, she said. "I want you to specifically know within the last few days we had a 71-year-old woman attacked back there," Guillory told the board. (See the related story in this issue.) Guillory and other proponents of a per- m a n e n t , S a r a s o t a County Sheriff's Office- operated shelter for Homeless people commonly gather at the Sarasota County Area Transit transfer station at Lemon Avenue and First Street in downtown Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel NO PROGRESS THE COUNTY COMMISSION SENDS A LETTER TO THE CITY COMMISSION ASKING IN REGARD TO THE PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTER, ARE YOU IN OR OUT? I don't want them to pretend they have a voice in this if they are not going to be a partner. Christine Robinson Vice Chairwoman Sarasota County Commission By Roger Drouin County Editor