Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/97647
'A HOMELESS CAMP' The Sarasota City Commission sits in session. Photo by Norman Schimmel RESIDENTS COMPLAIN ABOUT THE NUMBER OF HOMELESS PEOPLE — AND THEIR ACTIONS — IN SARASOTA'S GILLESPIE PARK By Stan Zimmerman City Editor Sarasota's focus on homelessness shifted to Gillespie Park this week. At the Monday, Dec. 3, City Commission meeting, a parade of neighborhood residents delivered a long litany of complaints during the evening's opento-the-public session. Speakers had only two minutes to make their points. "The problem is not geographic and the solution isn't musical benches. You need long-term solutions," he added. The City Commission removed the benches from Five Points Park last year to discourage homeless people from loitering in that location. "I won't walk in the park. It's becoming a Concern was expressed about people using homeless camp," said Louise Tracy. twigs and leaves in the BBQ grills in Gillespie "There is an influx of homeless spending days Park to heat food that is then left on the grills in the park. They bring immense amounts of for animals. trash; we're just inundated with it," said Dale "We can't continue with this level of trash and Orlando. He produced pictures of the trash to activity," said Linda Holland, the neighboremphasize his statement. hood president and a City Commission can-