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ST. PETERSBURG — A court ruling this week that allows Orlando to limit feeding homeless people in public parks may give St. Petersburg officials the legal cover they've wanted to pass a similar rule.
The 11th Circuit upheld an Orlando ordinance Tuesday that restricts residents, religious organizations and nonprofits from feeding homeless people.
"That's what we've been waiting to hear," said St. Petersburg City Council member Leslie Curran.
In recent years, St. Petersburg officials have dealt with a growing homeless population through an assortment of measures. They've opened up new shelter space. They've passed ordinances restricting behaviors associated with homelessness, such as sleeping in public and panhandling. They've tried spraying a chemical to conceal the stench of urine in downtown.
But they stayed away from limiting the feeding of homeless people. Advocates for the homeless had successfully argued that any limitations violate bedrock constitutional rights such as the freedom of speech, assembly and religion.
Legal repercussions from the Orlando decision are already being felt in St. Petersburg.
"In my opinion, (St. Petersburg) would now be able to restrict feedings in the way that Orlando did," said Joe Patner, an assistant city attorney.
Tougher sanctions on feedings are expected by homeless advocates.
"I expect the city is going to pass a similar ordinance," said the Rev. Bruce Wright, who helps run a Thursday night feeding of ham and pork sandwiches that serves about 80 people. "It's unfortunate because the Orlando decision is unconstitutional. What the city is concerned about is keeping the homeless less visible. That's the crux of what this is about."
Michael Van Sickler can be reached at (727) 893-8037 mvansickler@sptimes.com.
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