City Council Workshop Meeting

>> Good evening. Thank you all for being here tonight. This is not a city Council meeting. This is a workshop. They do operate a little differently from the first thing I want you to know it's important that everybody turn their phone off now. Okay? That is one thing. Second thing is -- if you're here for public comment comment everybody is going to have an opportunity to speak. When you're called up for public comment come come up and give your name and the city you live in. Then you have three minutes to say whatever it is that you would like to say. Unfortunately a couple weeks ago -- I had to throw somebody out for coming up and cussing. We don't do that here. Also -- only one person speaks at a time. There's no speaking from back there. When it gets time for public comment -- I'm looking forward to it. I want to hear public comment. I will address you by name if I know it or I will say come on. You will come on up. We don't call out things from the audience. I think that's about all the rules. I have called the meeting to order. We will start with roll call please. [Roll call] >> Already. Here's how it's going to help -- how it's going to work tonight, for those that haven't attended a workshop. Every workshop is a little bit different. What's going to happen tonight is -- first I'm going to kind of give a little bit of a presentation, and overview of why we are having this meeting. And then from there, I'm going to call on April lock who is going to come up and give some information to us. She runs the company that offers these social services for us here in Gulfport. She will give her overview. I will ask the City Council if they would like to speak next, or if they would like public comment next. And then, there will be a discussion among the council members. One thing that you need to know is -- tonight is not about voting for or against anything. It's about discussion that hopefully will lead to some kind of a consensus among the council members, that would give direction to the city manager, and the city attorney on what kind of ordinances we might like to see. Okay? That's kind of a good overview for you. If it's a typical council meeting, I usually just talk from my heart. At an event like this come I've done my homework. There are several things I would like to present to you. By the way, my eye is killing me. That's why I have sunglasses on. This is not normal. I haven't been partying all night, or anything like that. I just have a very sore eye. I'm going to try to read to you, some of the things that I put down, and what is a logical order to me. I'm going to start off with why. Why are we having this meeting? We had a very similar meeting in September. Why would we have the same meeting again? Not this September. September of 25. Why would we be doing this again? Well -- two thoughts. One is that we have persistent and ongoing complaints -- for many years -- in Ward two. We haven't resolved the issues in the eyes of the people that I hear from. Number two -- we have two new council members up here. On the council. They weren't here before. Maybe we will have different results this time? That's why I ask that we do this. Where? I'm going to do that. Why? Where? When? How? The whole bit. Where? The biggest issues tend to be short Boulevard. The pavilions. Beach parking lot. Veterans Park. To a lesser degree, some of the Marina parking lot. Who? If you do your research on homelessness, you will find that our government takes in groups everybody together, when they present numbers to us about how many homeless we have in this country. For anyone who has traveled, you know there's a lot of homelessness in this country. You can't really go anywhere, where it's not obvious. Okay? For my purposes, you don't have to agree with me. For my purposes, I kind of break it into three different groups for myself. One -- the one group I refer to as the homeless. These are the folks living on the street, in the libraries, in our restaurants, etc. We have a social services company. I'm so sorry. I can't think of the name. Thank you. Directions for living. And, between directions for living, and our extremely compassionate police and fire department -- we have really reduced the number of homeless that we have living in our library and on our streets. They are there. Without a doubt. The second group of folks that I think fall into the category in the federal government level -- would be the local votes paramedic I intentionally said boats and not boaters. So many people that are living on boats are not boaters. They are folks that were living on the street. Now they're living on a boat. They don't know how to take care of the boat. Maintain it. Secure it. Okay? When it comes to the boaters, we're seeing a little bit of improvement. FWC which is fish Wildlife commission I believe -- they've passed something in Florida that became effective in January of 2026. When they did, they required that all boats have to have permits for vessels that are anchored for 14 days or more -- within the 30 day period. If they broke that, they would receive a violation. If there is more three citations within a 24 month period of time, the FWC was in a position to take the vessel. Have it removed, and dispose of it. That situation is less than perfect. It's better than it has been. Then we come to the third category. I refer to as the van lifers. The car dwellers. I've heard some people think that is a derogatory term. I don't. If you do any homework on it, on Google or Facebook -- just do some reading. There's books and videos out there to make very definitely telling folks -- how to become van lifers or car dwellers. Also, it's kind of tied to not that dissimilar than the folks who were backpacking or hitchhiking in the 70s. That was me. I did that. So -- the perception in terms of why somebody might choose that lifestyle -- is that it's less regulated housing. Maybe they're seeking a more sufficient lifestyle. That's how they see it. It's kind of a little bit romanticized. The next thing I want to say -- is what? Why are we having this meeting? What are the complaints? I've been hearing complaints up here -- not only for 18 months. I set out there and heard complaints for longer than that. Be consistent complaint -- our photos rotating at all? Thank you. I just remembered. Our consistent complaints. These are what our most commonly heard. Okay? The fact that there are camps being set up in our parking lots -- in our parking lots with log furniture and tarps to create shade. That our parking lot and our parking spaces on the street are being used as storage sheds. That it's not difficult to find laundry day. Our pavilions are being used for longer and being spread all over the pavilions to dry their clothing. Folks are going into the pavilions and overstaying three three hour limit by maybe 8 to 10 hours a day. Sleeping across the tables that some people may want to eat at with their families. Smoking. Littering. Sleeping there. Staying there all night long. Storage in the rafters. Okay? I get complaints that people are there using the charging stations. I don't know. I know that they've been locked at some point. I don't know if they are locked -- or closed right now. I know that myself one day saw one of our vans back up to the sidewalk. Partially blocking the sidewalk. Run an extension cord to our electrical box -- they were charging things inside their car. I thought that was a bit extreme. Human waste. Maybe a bit embarrassing for me to have to say that to you. That is reality. It's a whole lot more embarrassing to the folks who have to pick it up. That is happening because their bathrooms are not open. Nudity while bathing and changing clothes. That complaint has been consistent. Last but not least -- I put it On the list is stolen bathroom supplies. What can be done about this? What should be done about this? I just wanted to make sure everybody had the same information. An attorney come if you hear me say something wrong come and tell me. I'm not making this stuff up. I've got it in writing. If you know there's been a change that I'm not aware of, I need to hear it. So the Florida State statute protects residing overnight in a motor vehicle, that is registered and located in place where it can legally be. That's what the state statute reads on this. Municipalities can create ordinances that limit where, and for how long. Gulfport Ordinance 2024-03, code 17-32 States -- sleeping on public property during nighttime is prohibited. If you keep reading through that, and you have a couple letters. A BCD. When you get to D -- this is what our current ordinance says permit does not prohibit lodging residing overnight in a motor vehicle that is registered common, and located in a place where it may lawfully be. I want you to know, that is what our current ordinance says. From there, I would like to share with you -- a couple of other cities and how they have handled this. Key West. So says no lodging in vehicles. They have a three hour maximum in their designated rest areas. Fort Lauderdale. Sleeping in parked vehicles is prohibited. Pompano Beach. Unlawful to sleep or lodge in a vehicle on public street or parking lot, within the city limits. Redington Shores. Habitation and sleeping in vehicle is prohibited. Mount Dora. Unlawful for any person within the city, to park a vehicle on the right of way, or public property, for living, sleeping, cooking, or bathing. Sarasota. No person shall use any motor vehicle for living or sleeping, within the city. If you do further work to see how other parts of the country are handling it -- you will find out -- out west -- I've been fortunate to do quite a bit of hiking out West. The Bureau of Land Management now has restrictions permit somebody who is only allowed to park for 14 days in any given -- let me say this right. 14 days in any given 30 day period. They have to move on. California -- they have created safe parking initiatives. Walmart. Most of us grew up knowing that you could go and take an RV or van and that you could park in Walmart. That is really changing across the country now. Most of them some of them are saying no parking many of them are rather squishy to limited parking in their parking lots overall I. Businesses across the country -- when they have their own lot -- they're in the process of banning overnight parking. The repercussions are towing and impounding of the vehicles. Why are all these new ones being made? Because there is pushback this has been going on for a couple of years now And right now our waterfront facilities were not intended or marketed to be full time living situations. I am going to stop at this point paramedic when I get to speak again much later -- I'm going to share some possible solutions. Rather than me sharing mine, I would really like to hear from the public first, before I share what I'm thinking. With that in mind, I'm going to invite April to come up and -- she comes from a a different perspective on this. I don't know what she's going to say. I asked her to come. I appreciate that she has. >> Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to be here. I'm April. I'm the president and CEO of directions for living. We do provide street outreach here in Gulfport. I appreciate the overview that was provided. I will say that my area of expertise really is in -- with the homeless people who are literally living homeless. It's important to understand -- the distinction between van life and vehicle homelessness. I think sometimes, people are using terms interchangeably, to describe both of those things. My area of expertise -- is in homelessness. Specifically in this context vehicle homelessness. As opposed to van life. Nonetheless -- what has been outlined for you here today is pretty accurate across the country. We are seeing more and more people who are living in their cars, who are vehicle homeless. As opposed to van life. I would encourage the council to do what you can to pull those two apart. It's not to say that somebody who is living as vehicle homeless doesn't then -- they themselves start to think I can live this way. This is not so bad. I can make this work, and figure that out. That's true. You can move from vehicle homeless to van life. I have heard across the country quite frankly -- people even suggesting that as an option. Nonetheless -- what I would encourage as council to do is try to pull those two apart. The reason I want to pull those two apart -- is because of the level of compassion. The level of the necessity around understanding what is driving and or happening for people who are living in their cars, due to homelessness. I will talk a little bit for just a few minutes about some tears -- in terms of decision making that perhaps you can make. People who are living in their cars -- vehicle homelessness -- really is an economic thing. They can't afford their rent. They have been displaced. As a result of the ever growing cost of housing common cost of everything. They just simply can't make ends meet. At their last option is to live in their car. Typically, it's our last option, to live in their car. Sometimes the car breaks down. That is no longer an option. To use one of the examples -- that's when people generally become street homeless. Understanding that vehicle homelessness is often -- it is not planned. It has not been thought through, in terms of -- you think about van life double in particular. Those of you who have done reading -- vehicles can be outfitted for mattresses. They can be outfitted for truly van life -- to live in your vehicle. Whether it's an RV or a van. Even a regular hatchback type of car. With all that said -- that is not typically what is happening with people who are vehicle homeless. They have all of their things crammed into their vehicle, because they really have no other option. Most of those individuals that we work with, and we work with a lot of them -- are very interested in getting out of their vehicle. They are very interested in getting into an emergency shelter of some kind -- or other long term permanent housing that would be available to them. I think the unique challenges certainly for communities such as Gulfport is -- the Coastal living . And the beauty and freedom that it feels when you live on the coast. That does attract what I'm going to call van life. It's different than vehicle homelessness. I would encourage you to pull these two apart. As has already been mentioned -- cities -- especially those with coastal lines and coastal communities -- small coastal communities -- have chosen to come up with these roles that people have to follow. I agree that there should be rules around some of these issues. In particular -- there's an obligation to protect the beaches. To protect the environment. To protect people who are paying taxes. Living in the community by choice. That kind of thing. All of that is accurate. With that said -- I do think that taking these things in pieces -- what I put together was kind of a tiered situation. Tier one being kind of this recreational and independent van living -- all of this comes with expense. It must be acknowledged that there is an expense associated with all of this. Including vehicle homelessness. Right? There an expense to how we respond to those situations. Nonetheless, with recreational with people who are staying for just a short period of time in the beach parking and that kind of thing -- might be there for a couple of days. They tend to move on. There is designated parking. There would be fees associated with that. In exchange for those fees, there are services available to them. Restrooms are open. Restrooms are being kept up clean and there are -- toilet paper and other things that are available to people, because they're paying fees. It allows for kind of the short term stay limit. Then when you start to think about long term vehicle living double van life -- long term van life here in Gulfport -- there are safe parking permits. There would be fee attached to that permit. There's some affordable monthly rate that people are paying. In exchange for that monthly rate and that parking permit -- there's bathrooms and showers in this case. Water that is available to people. Thinking about RV parks or campgrounds that have those kinds of things. Essentially, thinking about the services that would need to be provided in exchange for those parking fees those monthly fees. Affordable fees for parking permits. Of course when you start to think about vehicle homelessness, which is a different group altogether -- we are already working in partnership on those things. I do think with the passage of amendment three, we might start to see more of the vehicle homelessness. I certainly can't see if we might see more van life or van living and that kind of thing. That is not necessarily my area of expertise. I do anticipate we might start to see more vehicle homelessness. Depending on how the rollout of amendment three happens. I'm assuming that even here in the city of Gulfport -- budget changes will be forthcoming. In any case -- for people who are vehicle homeless that be providing outreach -- access to emergency shelter -- we are currently doing that. Together. We're offering mental health and healthcare access. Employment assistance. Those kinds of things. As has already been said -- we have dramatically reduced the number of individuals living street homeless. We may now need to turn our attention to this next level. This next layer which is vehicle homelessness. It's different than street homeless. They have different dynamics. Different challenges for people in the community. Sometimes the approach needs to change as a result. Quite frankly, people who are vehicle homeless for example -- may rather live in their vehicle than live in an emergency shelter for example. In some cases, in some places in some ways -- I would argue that it makes sense to me. I would rather live in my own vehicle than to live in congregate shelter, emergency shelter from those dynamics there that certainly have to be considered. In any case -- having services available -- we may need in partnership with Gulfport -- may need a change, depending on if one population is growing over the other. The fact that you were having this meeting work session is comforting to know that these very important decisions are being thought through carefully and compassionately. I hope for all the people that we are talking about. I will end there. There's a lot more that I can say. I will end there and answer any questions -- just sit down here what everybody else has to say paramedic >> I would appreciate it if you stay there for a couple of minutes just to see if our council has questions. It is November. We start with Council member Dash who is not here. And speaking order -- turns to Council member Vice Mayor Schor. >> Thank you. I know that you and your staff interact with folks that are in their vehicles or on the streets etc. What are you hearing from them when you try to provide housing options to them etc.? How are you determining which situations apply? What are you hearing from them as far as placements etc.? >> Mostly what I've just said is -- we are starting to hear more about vehicle homelessness. My staff do not think that is the majority of what is contributing to some of the discussion. Is not necessarily vehicle homelessness -- but rather people who are choosing to live in their vehicles. They're choosing van life for other reasons. It's not necessarily an affordability issue -- or that they've been priced out of their house. Priced out of their home kind of thing. With that said -- we take a very compassionate approach when it comes to shelter. As you probably know -- the only shelter that really exists in Pinellas County is Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor started as you probably know -- as a jail diversion program. It's run by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. With that -- comes what feels like criminalizing people who are living homeless. It's not the intention. If you've never had an opportunity to visit Safe Harbor -- I would encourage you to do so. You can see it for yourself. What I will say is -- we take a slightly different approach than simply requiring people to go to Safe Harbor. What we have found -- we can take them to Safe Harbor for less than 24 hours later they're right back here. Safe Harbor is not a locked facility in any way. It is voluntary. We take a different approach. Really trying to talk through what the challenges are. What has created their homelessness? And if there's any way we can help them get to. We have had quite a bit of success in Treasure Island in Gulfport. We share a team member between the two cities -- with some people who have had a really hard time with substance misuse. Getting them into treatment. Into treatment -- and stable -- interestingly enough, families often open their doors back up to and or friends open their doors back to the individual once they become stable with treatment. We've had a lot of success there. That is what I would say is our approach. I will tell you that engagement with people who are street homeless and or vehicle homeless -- can be very time consuming. It often takes double the average is like 30 interactions before they might even be willing to give us their name. There's a lot of mistrust and distrust. A lot of barriers to engagement and to trust -- and to being willing to go into treatment -- or to go into services. Many of those individuals -- I'm painting with a very broad brush. Many individuals have extensive trauma histories. Have not always had good interactions with people who are in a position of helping and serving. It does often take us months to establish a relationship. Generally through relationship -- we can get a lot of working together on following the rules. The rules are -- you can only be in this place during these periods of time. We can often get people doing that. Through relationship. And through compassion. Criminalizing the homeless -- it's stuff that we hear often. We want to try to ordinance our way through eliminating homelessness. I have not seen that be real successful. Despite all the ordinances that were referenced here tonight. I haven't seen -- developing so many ordinances that we can eliminate homelessness. We might be able to eliminate van life. We might be able to eliminate or reduce some of those other things. Eliminating homelessness -- chronic homelessness and homelessness -- is not going to happen through ordinances. It is going to happen through relationship and through services. And options. I will say -- I'm terrified about amendment three, and some of the services that historically been funded. For example, I don't know if Gulfport has any budget in safe harbor for example -- or Pinellas. Our shelters. If those funds start to disappear, those places won't be able to continue to operate. I'm concerned through that process -- we may not see more as opposed to less. >> You just addressed the ordinances. You also mentioned a number of types of roles that have been effective. Which ones have you heard me the most effective? >> Again, if we are pulling these apart -- things like having parking permits. Having extended stay cost to people who are not vehicle homeless . That we are pulling that apart. I can see from some of your faces -- I don't know how easy that's going to be to pull that apart. I am not suggesting that it is going to be easy. I think we in our services might be able to help -- to try to come up with some kind of assessment tool that might be able to pull some of that apart. There is a standardized tool called the VI . It does allow us to determine the vulnerability of people common prioritize people based on that vulnerability. I do believe that for -- van life -- and for people who are not homeless in other words might have been forced into their vehicles because they can't afford their rent double or they are behind in their rent. They've been evicted. That kind of thing. There certainly is a space and a place and a need for ordinances for thank you. I would like to leave time for others to ask questions. excuse me please check your phone and make sure they are totally turned off. Thank >> April thank you so much for being here for Mac congratulations on your Titan Award last month. It's been a while since I've looked at the VI. I've served on a lot of mayoral homeless task forces. From Massachusetts to Louisiana, to here in Florida. Does the VI -- getting it pulling apart different types of vehicle dwelling -- because, as you know we've known each other for a while I lived in my car. I was broke when I was a teenager. I lived there until the city of New Orleans took my car. I was homeless on the street. It's a pretty violent place to be. I was just trying to think back -- if people would have asked me -- are you homeless? Vehicle homeless? Or are you some kind of free spirit? I think I would have said free spirit. I still had integrity. I didn't want double the idea of saying I was homeless was -- >> It's okay. Take your time. >> It was so soul crushing. I'm wondering if the VI-SPDAT gets to the? And how you can untangle those things. I would hate to make somebody say -- that's all tied up thing. Saying I'm homeless is tied up with all sorts of stigma that is really hard. You have to get through that before you're able to get the resources and the help that you need. I'm wondering what that process looks like. I don't know that the VI that gets to that. Is it Cameron? I'm sure that he and the caseworkers are skilled at really doing that deep dive with individuals. I would hate to criminalize people. I would hate to subject them to additional trauma, that then takes generations to get over. >> Yeah. Elijah is a case manager here that we share with Treasure Island. I agree with Councilwoman Webb, for sure. The VI-SPDAT -- probably does get pretty close to it. I do want to make sure I say -- I'm not sure that I have said already -- I would caution us from taking away vehicles as homes -- for people who are vehicle homeless. I don't know if I've said that as clearly as I need to say that? Because, if there is a nuisance to vehicle homelessness -- I promise you, street homelessness is worse. It looks worse. It is worse. It's harder on the individual. It's going to be harder on the city. It is worse. I promise you. I would be cautious about -- you know, taking away vehicles as housing for vehicle homeless. If that makes sense? Right now for example -- Pinellas County has no family shelter -- homeless shelter. None. We have a handful of beds at various shelters, that will accommodate families. In general, we are one of the only cities -- only counties in the state -- in the country -- who does not have a homeless shelter for families. Sometimes -- I have to tell you -- at directions for living come away from families and cars. It can become very unsafe. To Councilwoman's Webb's point -- forcing people to say -- I am homeless in order to get services -- I don't think should be necessary. What do we need to get you out of the car? Are you interested in not being in your car? What do we need to work on to get you out of your car? Fair questions. All of that would be covered through the VISPDAT. Now I'm regretting I didn't bring a VISPDAT with me. You can look up VI-SPDAT. It's a universal tool. It's a vulnerability impact is what the V stands for. It's like service prioritization. I'm being tested on what the letters stand for. It's a vulnerability index. What it really does is -- allows us to prioritize people based on vulnerabilities. If you had a family living in a car for example -- and it's not by choice. It's not Vanlife. It's vehicle homelessness. They have Littles. They would score higher on the vulnerability index about getting out of their car -- and getting into a safe shelter. The VISPDATI think would get us there. The VI does not ask questions about homelessness. It's asking about vulnerabilities. If you're vulnerable in one way or another -- and living in your car or living on the street -- your vulnerabilities become higher com if you're under the age of one. If you're under the age of five. If you're the elderly. If you have a medical condition. There's a variety of things that put you at higher vulnerability for a loss of life. For injury. Harm from others. That kind of thing. It puts you at a greater risk. >> Thank you. >> I also have experienced homelessness. How many beds are in safe harbor? >> I think their capacity is 400 beds. I will say that I think 300 of them are within the building. They have outside shelters. Outside patios. They include that in 400. I might be off by 50. It might be 450. It's right around there. No children. It's adults only. Predominantly -- although it does serve adult females -- is predominantly males. When you walk into safe harbor -- there are what they call bays . Separate living quarters. I think three of them are for men. One of them is for women. It's 321. It does serve both men and women. >> Emergency shelter? Does that mean you the next day? >> No. You don't have to leave the next day. Most people choose to do so. They're looking for work and going to work. Going to services. Those kinds of things. It is not an emergency shelter, the way that you might remember emergency shelters like Salvation Army and others -- you had to check in at 10:00 at night and be out by 530 in the morning. That is not the case. At Safe Harbor, you do have to be in by a curfew. Otherwise, they're going to give you a better way kind of thing. >> In Syracuse New York -- it's the one that lets everyone in is not a safe place to be. Having those rules seems difficult. I think they serve to not have as much trauma. Trauma happens also, when we think we are helping. >> In safe harbor -- it's run by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. And deputies. Armed deputies. It is a very safe harbor. It's very safe. It was originally designed as jail diversion. As a result -- I think if Sheriff Galtier were here -- I certainly can't speak for him. I think it would say -- it is jail diversion that has emergency shelter availability. Oftentimes, people are being arrested due to ordinance violations. Who are in fact living homeless. Instead of taking them to a high cost an inappropriate use of the jail, they could do safe harbor. You don't have to have been arrested in order to go. >> We can't solve homelessness by making it less visible. I do appreciate having Elijah here. Was there many calls? Is there many calls for police help on our beaches for the folks that Elijah works with? >> That might be a law enforcement question. I do not believe so. Elijah has great -- has established great relationship with everybody in the Gulfport community. Including our business owners, and the people who need the services. I do not believe there's many calls for law enforcement assistance, or law enforcement services. >> Okay. Yesterday, I went early in the morning. There were about six cars there. There were two that I could tell that people were living in, simply because the windows were open. It was 5:00 in the morning yesterday. I also believe there might be children in there. I think we need to be very careful. >> I will get that information to Elijah, to try to identify that, and to help. >> Thank you. I will say in terms of street homelessness -- I have seen a definite improvement. I definitely have. I also need for you to break down the difference between what you're calling car homeless, and van lifers. And I think -- I need to hear that. I think for me, when I was doing the readings, I did read about a whole lot of people that are going to work every single day, and coming home. They're going to the gym to take their shower. They're sleeping in their cars. I think that kind of fits into what you're calling the vehicle homelessness. >> They have wide memberships. Pain for a wide membership. Monthly membership, so they can go to the gym. Use the facilities. Yes. >> I needed to hear the difference. We will know in a little bit when we get to public comment -- I think a whole lot of the complaints that I hear from the residents when this has been going on -- we are not talking about weeks or months -- rather, years. They are proud to say they are van lifers. They're proud to tell us what the walls are. I think we have more of that. I have only seen when our fire department has been called in or police. I see a great deal of compassion when we've had homeless situations. I know when I visit a library, I can tell that there's a lot of people there spending all their days and our libraries. I appreciate that. I didn't look at it as the difference between vehicle dwellers and van life. Do you have -- I understand if you don't. Do you have a good idea of -- in Gulfport -- in locations I've talked about? That's where the complaints are coming from. Do you have any kind of an idea of headcount -- of how many you would call to be vehicle homeless? >> I don't. As I've said -- I really think we could perhaps partner on that to try to assess that situation in partnership with you. We could use Elijah and our partnership here to try to establish that through an interview, and through relationship. With the people. I would be happy to report back on that to our contacts. I do want to say -- we want to be cautious about discouraging living in your vehicle, if your vehicle homeless. To the extent of putting them on the streets. We want to be very careful about that. >> That's partially why I made that comment earlier. We have a lot of people that are not going to call -- they live on anchored boats they don't know anything about boating. It's a step up from the streets where they are on the boats. I do understand that part. I appreciate you coming out and answering our questions. As well as, on the fly -- giving you some information. Council, if it's okay with you -- I would like to move to public comment. After public comment -- there would be an opportunity -- if at that point our police chief feels there is any responses she would like to comment on, based on public comment -- will be welcome. We can have our conversation, and see if we have any kind of a consensus for moving forward. >> Can I say one more thing? I will say there are other -- I would also encourage the city of Gulfport is working in partnership with the other municipalities who share some of the same frustrations and observations and concerns for the people of their communities. I do know there has been talk recently even -- around creating public parking for vehicle homeless by creating spaces in the county that would allow that. Just know those conversations are happening and other municipalities. I would encourage you to work in partnership where you can come as opposed to trying to solve problems all by yourself Karen can we put together a, sometimes we can get a better outcome. >> Thank you. With that, I'm going to open it to public comment. Raise your hand come back when I call to you come on come on up give your name and the city you live in. You have three minutes. You will know in your three minutes you can see the clock. I can't. You will see the clock. If you were still talking, a really loud sound goes off and will make you jump. Let me just warn you. Okay? Show of hands. Let's start. I'm going to go with Mike first. >> How are you doing? Michael Hawkins? A resident of Gulfport. I'm here to read a statement for Joe Doppler from owner of O'malley's Bar and Grill. He is unable to be here tonight. As a long time Gulfport business owner I care deeply about our waterfront and downtown? The customers come a residents come and visitors who support our local businesses. I am concerned about the growing number of people living in vehicles, occupying public parking areas along the shore and beach Boulevard. What may have once been an occasion occurrence has become a regular invisible presence in the heart of our waterfront district. This issue impacts more than just nearby residents can I it affects the experience of customers who visit our restaurant shops, events, and waterfront attractions paramedic our downtown and waterfront Vermont Gulfport's greatest assets, and play a vital role in our local economy. The appearance, accessibility, and overall atmosphere matter. Availability of public parking is also a significant concern for waterfront businesses event parking along Shore Boulevard and Beach Boulevard is limited? Especially during busy evenings or weekends come on festivals, and special events. And vehicles are used as long term living spaces to occupy public parking spots for days or even weeks at a time these spaces are no longer available to customers come employees, residents or visitors. These places and this places additional burdens on local businesses that rely on convenience come a public parking, to serve their patrons? Business owners and customers regularly observe individuals sleeping in vehicles storing personal belongings in public areas. Occupying pavilions for extended period of time. And using public facilities in ways they are not intending to be used. These conditions create a perception that portions of our waterfront have become long term living areas, rather than public spaces intended for recreation, dining, shopping, and community enjoyment. This is not about a lack of compassion. Everyone understands that people face difficult circumstances. However, public parking spaces were not designed to function as permanent housing. I respectfully encourage city Council to consider reasonable measures such as overnight parking restrictions parking time limits. Resident parking permits. Where appropriate. And consistent enforcement of existing ordinance along Short Beach and Shore Boulevard. These options will help preserve the character of our waterfront. >> I warned you. >> I read slow. >> Thank you. Right there with the glasses. I don't know your name. How are you doing? I appreciate you letting me talk to him can you hear me okay? >> Your name? Steve head. I live in golf cart. I've lived here about seven years now. I grew up out here in Tampa Bay. Understand what you're saying about the compassion that you have for the homelessness. It's always been a draw here. I don't know why that is. When you live on the beach or the water, you get a lot more homeless than you do in maybe Ocala. That is how it is. We're not going to solve homelessness in Gulfport Florida. We are just not. I know your budget just got hammered? It's going to be a very difficult sell for you politically. I get that. About regulations so but regulations can absolutely solve our homeless problem. Or the people that are at the beach she knocks on your window at 10:00 at night and you're sleeping out there to you guarantee you will get up and drive away and that solving the problem is much more difficult. I don't know where the city that can do that come or we have the format to do that come up publicly comment we can do it we can prevent that's all you can ever do. We're not going to solve that problem. That's all I have to say. I would like more restriction on public parking. Does that make sense? Thank you. That is admitted in 47 seconds for somebody else to use. >> You did good. Back there. . I'm Bob. I live in Gulfport? We have lived here about ten years ago when we moved here, it was not allowed to sleep in your car overnight, down by the beach. One of the problems I have -- I want to say we do have compassion. My wife volunteers both financially and in time, with an organization sale a place that places women who have been trafficked, coming out of prison, coming out of drugs with their children reuniting them. Two year program. Not six months or six week program. It gives them housing dramatically it gives them time to learn and progress. It is not a lack of compassion here. We do not have facilities for a campground. We don't have the ability to house people in our parking lots. I don't want to chase people off. I do have compassion for the homeless. I do have compassion for those without. At the same time, this is not the time and place. If there is a facility to do this -- fine. Like Steve said, we don't have that here. As a side note -- I park my car? I wasn't living in it. I parked it while they were doing work on our house. I parked on street level. I had a resident sticker. I got a ticket. This is after the law went into effect. If you're going to give me a $30 ticket, give them a $30 ticket for that. Florida State parks charge basically $35 a night. They do have facilities for mixed showers. Electric. Water. A public facility for that. That is where the focus should be. There are places we can pool our resources. It is not a state park, then something else. Not on our beaches. To businesses. It affects the quality of life of the residents and affects the visitors. I walk a dog for like I don't want to go by there? It's affecting my life. This is different than it was ten years ago when I moved here. Like I started, we do have compassion. We do care. I do want to find a solution for this. It's just not on the beach. >> Thank you. Who is next? I saw another hand. Yes. >> Good evening Madam Mayor and council members? >> The city that you live in? >> My name is Scott. I live in a property along Shore Boulevard from 665 Shore Boulevard South. I am here tonight to express my concern about the growing number of people living in vehicles along Shore Boulevard and Beach Boulevard. I understand that some individuals are facing difficult circumstances. Our waterfront parking areas were never intended to serve as long term residential living spaces. This issue affects residences and businesses come up visitors come and nearby property owners who rely on these public spaces for their intended use. Want to be clear this is not about criminalizing homelessness or lacking compassion. It's about establishing reasonable regulations that ensure public parking remains available and accessible for everyone. I respectfully ask the City Council to consider practical measures such as overnight parking restrictions along Shore Boulevard and Beach Boulevard connects similar to those already in place in other cities, parks, and properties. While providing permit exemption for nearby residents and their guests. These commonsense regulations would help preserve our waterfront protect the quality of life and public safety, and maintain public character of the and thank you for your time and consideration. >> Who is next? >> Mining is Karen Peterson. I'm a resident of Gulfport. I wasn't going to talk tonight. The two of you brought up the topic of children. Children are allowed in homeless shelters? Children aren't allowed in homeless shelters. It's risky. Families with children are prioritized. I would like to remind everybody that this issue is happening in the parking lot of a children's playground. I'm here to advocate for the children of Gulfport having a safe place to play. >> Thank you. Who is next? You don't need to be shy. >> Hi. I'm Lisa Hunt. Reach Laura here in Gulfport Florida from eyewitness a lot living right on Beach Boulevard. You can talk to me privately on what I have seen. I have seen the uptick in people coming down Beach Boulevard with their backpacks and suitcases. And seeing what's happening in the vehicles kind of kind of something you have records come right in front of a playground in preschool held right there at the rec center. Which is really concerning as a parent. We have more children moving in here to Gulfport with small children. I don't think people are aware ? Certain individuals have resided there for long term use. Gulfport does not have the facilities to house these people to pledge to bathe them and give them the proper needs that they need to know that Gulfport is a beautiful place. We want free waterfront living in our vehicles. I've seen van lifers. Some of them cost more than my home. The uptick it is concerning. I do think that we need to provide our ordinances to prevent overnight living in our vehicles. >> Thank you. Lisa. >> Hi. My name is. I live in Gulfport. I don't live in Gulfport right now. I am displaced, because of this issue. I own homes in Gulfport. I am the mother of a year old child. I am here to request no overnight parking. About six months ago, I got the insurance money so I can move back in my home. We are not willing to come because of a car dwellers right across Iraq apparently my home on the corner of Dupont and Shaw is a crime parking space. This is what it looks like. I went to the police department and found out the names of the people living in front of my home. One of them had 63 counts from my including domestic battery. Domestic assault felony battery on and on. Exposure of sexual organs? Battery on a pregnant woman. That is a person that lives right across the street from my house. That's why we are not looking at a little bit the other individual that they had a fight with five weeks ago. Both That's why I cannot move back if you want to move back in with my daughter and I want to move back. I'm not going to move back when this is occurring. It is terrifying. The whole thing. One guy pulled a 38. The other guy pulled a pepper spray. This is right on my property, as the police chief knows. Five weeks ago since then come with the guy who pulled the revolver -- he got out of jail. Now he is back in jail, because of sexual battery with a victim under 12. These are the people With on our street I know that so many people live there we can't know who. You were supposed to register yourself as a sexual predator. Let me show you. My house is here. Here is the park where these people are living. The rec center. This was my home. I wanted to go back to it. I can't. Would be irresponsible as a parent to go back. It's not safe. I need you to protect me. I'm still paying the sewer and everything. I'm still paying on this house. Are just sitting there. I can't go back to my home because of this situation can I come here to get upset. It's very upsetting. Thank you for listening to me. >> I understand. No. Already warned from the beginning there was no applauding and booing. That's going to happen come on we're going to shut down the meeting, which is not what we want to do. Okay? With that, who is next back there? Nobody? We are done? Yes. >> Good evening and city Council members. name and city >> Thank you first for having this I owners of Sea Manor in advance Shore Boulevard. Two down from Lisa. As business owner and owner, taxpayer we care of Gulfport. The of the residents and who come here, enjoy everything our community us. Over the several months, we have increased campers. Individuals living out of their vehicles along the waterfront. Individuals are respectful. There are some pedestrian situations who are negative to our visitors come neighbors, business, and overall image of the area. A few months ago, an individual parked directly in front of our property. The following morning, the vehicle was moved up to the second level. He opened up the hatch. He was inappropriate for the area. As our cafe people are sitting there and enjoying breakfast, this is what they have to see when they look across the water. After that was brought to our attention we kind of took care of it. The individual just moved on down from our area. Just last night, there were four camper vehicles parked in front of our property personal belongings, clothing, displayed outside of the vehicles creating the appearance of temporary encampment. Rather than a recreational visit to our waterfront. As business owners, we work hard to promote Gulfport -- as a welcoming designation. We are hosting a wedding. We have guests traveling from several states, who will be staying for multiple days. We want their first impression of Golf work to reflect the beautiful charm come hospitality, and special place that it is. Unfortunately, when visitors are looking at their balconies and seeing long term camping activity along the waterfront -- it can create discomfort, leave a negative impression of our city. I'm running out of time here. What we really propose is -- maybe have a designated camping area for these campers. A place where they can go. We are passionate about it. We want to help take care of them. >> Thank you. Yes. >> Hello. I'm Phyllis Markham. I have lived in Gulfport for over 23 years and I could live through the phase of when we had bikers. Things got so much better. As I'm talking to people outside of Gulfport -- Gulfport is getting really negative reviews. I like to walk. I'm in the waterfront area. Very honestly, I will not walk on shore. I think we have got enough information, enough data to prove there is definitely an issue here. Serious issue. Especially when as Lisa pointed out -- from police reports of a negative type of people who are living in their homes. With that, I'm asking you to British Council would work with US citizens. Let's get a plan together to quickly (Indistinct) homeless. This has gone on way too long. I don't like Gulfport getting negative comments from people who are living and outside and surrounding areas. We have an issue. It's being recognized by other people who live outside of Gulfport. We have an issue like you know what. We know it. Let's work together and get it done. Thank you. >> Thank you. Courtney. >> My name is Courtney. I live in Gulfport. I have also experienced housing insecurities? Have also lived out of my car. I appreciate those that shared that. It sounds really rough that somebody might have multiple homes, but they can't go back to one they would like to go back to, because people are simply existing. We have been here over an hour now. These slides continue to play. They are simply are people existing in a public space. I really want to invite you to examine why you are choosing to do this? Why are you choosing to paint this picture. Make an example of people existing. Water is wet. People park their cars in parking spaces. Here's a radical idea. Just remove the parking lot. Those that have businesses across the street from a parking lot and don't like their vehicles parked in designated parking spaces -- knew that parking lot was there. It is not an obstructed view of the waterfront. It is a parking lot. That is just one radical idea. I really want to applaud you for bringing April Lot here Mike I think she grounded this conversation in a very dignified way, that I frankly was afraid was not going to happen, based on other conversations that are happening in our city surrounding this issue? Gratitude for that. I understand that police chief might be answering some questions. I would like to ask a question for Mike how many field incident reports regarding things in the parking lot have come up since three of the five members on this council have criminalized cooking without defining what cooking meant? There was one other point I know is going to stick with me after this. I really appreciate the notion of separating out van life versus car homelessness paramedic we cannot legislate ourselves out of this. Megan thank you. Who is next? Let's see. Dreama? You are next. Dreama. Hold on. I already told this gentleman he was next. I apologize. You are next after this. >> Hello my name is James Roghani. I now live in Saint Petersburg? I used to live on Shore Boulevard between Seabreeze and Lisa Captain's house. It's on by my grandparents for 30 years I've been living there for ten years during my panel of really there, because of stressing out. I would walk out on my front porch? 20ft from me is six cars facing me with their windows down? Me looking at them. Looking at me. I could not talk on the phone. I could hear noises definition always wondering when they're going to rob my house. I ended up selling. That's why. I just think it's horrible. I originally took over the house I was planning on spending the rest of my life in it. I just got so stressful after the storms. That's it. I am not here anymore because of it paramedic thank you paramedic >> You're welcome. Dreama. >> Pull the microphone so people can hear you paramedic >> Hello? I live right next to the Gulfport Library, which I'm sure you all know? My room has a window is facing right in front of the library permit sometimes I see people that are living outside. I get scared to sleep in my room at night sometimes can I eyewitness what they do. Thank him hi? I'm Jim Kaufman Cassell. I live in Clearwater Florida now, because of the people living across the street in Gulfport. I'm scared to move back in my home, because people are living right across the street from my house can I get scared sometimes, because sometimes stare in our windows paramedic thank you very much. >> Thank you girls. April? >> April. Gulfport. This came up when I was on Council. I did some research and found that we could have bought at the time -- a used trailer that had male female bathroom showers -- so we could have parked potentially at the rec center, so people could in and park overnight -- and leave the next morning come back we could potentially even have an officer there. There is an office correct nobody wanted to do it. There could be a place to put people. It's a regular thoroughfare. It's not immediately next to houses. It could have been an option. I guess it could still be an option. I know we have looked at no overnight parking, no timed parking or paid parking. At the time -- nobody wanted to do that. They didn't want residents to be inconvenienced by those restrictions. You're kind of caught between one and the other. I appreciate that people might be fearful of somebody who's living around them. That could happen even if you had a neighbor in a house that is living next to you. That can happen anywhere. Even if they weren't there all the time, somebody could just pull in for the day and be violent or whatever. Hopefully, that's our police the police have a hard time. They have to catch people doing things at the time. If people are there in the wrong areas overnight or whatever, they can make a move. If they're cluttering up another parking space with their own stuff, they can make them stop that. There are things that the police could do -- just with normal ordinances. Again, I think no overnight parking or time parking -- could be an option. Everybody would have to abide by it. They would have to agree to that. Thank you. >> Eddie. >> My name is Eddie first. I live here in Gulfport can I come here to read a letter from Katie Ralston, Patty Burke. 5657, and 5659 South Boulevard? Shaw Boulevard South. Dear mayor and City Council members, this is not the first time I have brought the ongoing camping situation on Shaw Boulevard to your attention. Marlene Shah is well aware of our concerns for personally spoken at three council meetings about this issue permanent unfortunately, continues to feel as though the only people truly affected are the residents who live on Shore Boulevard South. Many of whom pay more than 20,000 a year in property taxes, to enjoy maintain this beautiful location. Our multi-generational home at 5657, 56, 59 South -- sits directly besides the public restrooms and showers if you're not making it an extremely convenient spot for a van life camper. On many days, the parking area functions as a personal living space. With individuals using the facilities and surrounding area as though they own them. We even heard complaints from campers about the cleanliness of the public restrooms. Despite the fact they are not visitors, but long term and unofficial occupants. Last week, my sister witnessed a naked woman running from the restroom to her partner's vehicle at 9 a.m. While walking our dog along the green space. I previously shared another incident at a council meeting a man who used a vehicle parked directly in front of our home doubled as a storage unit and actually visited multiple times a week to organize his belongings. On one occasion, changed his clothes in full view of our second floor patio. Completely unconcerned that he was exposing himself. When I called out to him come he jumped into his car naked, and drove away. The next day, he simply relocated his storage vehicle further down Shaw Boulevard. It's not normal. It's not acceptable. At a prayer meeting, I suggested implementing four meter parking and closing the parking area at midnight. From the Casino west to 58th Street South. My suggestion was met with laughter. I understand that many Gulfport residents and business owners want to preserve free parking at Gulfport is now the only beach town left without meters. That policy is attracting long term campers who treat our waterfront as a free campground for the broader community police free parking is essential, perhaps these individuals should be directed to park on a residential streets of those who support that policy. I suspect that the conversation about rights and infringements would change quickly. >> All right. Who is next? Yes? Lisa. I saw you back there. You are next. Lisa on the Lake Shore Boulevard? Mayor and Council. I want to address the ongoing situation on Shore Boulevard? Every day I come individuals -- >> Excuse me Lisa. Quiet? Please. Everybody due respect when they're up here speaking. Thank you. I'm sorry. Start again Lisa. >> I lost some time. Individuals are living in vehicles in public parking lots some have been there for weeks others for years. I believe everyone deserves a, compassion come and help Debbie dash facing difficult circumstances. When individuals don't work, they remain the same public spaces long term? Is no longer a temporary situation or an isolated crisis? It is a lifestyle choice for we cannot allow our parking lots to become makeshift residences parent community reasonable restrictions connect our public restrooms are open 24 hours a day connect people are living here. The were never designed or intended to support full time living nor should they. This has resulted in intimate outdoor shown and public view along with other serious sanitation concerns connect the residents and visitors regularly see laundry, blankets and tarps for vehicles and benches current drug use correct people sleeping on picnic tables occupying pavilions for extended periods personal belongings are stored in common areas correct solar panels? Chairs? Tables are set up in the medians? Vehicle doors are left open, with people sleeping day and night. Pavilions are used as personal living rooms. Motorcycles, bicycles come other positions occupy additional parking spaces. The current situation is changing the character of our waterfront. At times of the campground rather than the welcoming public recreational area that we all value. We also have serious safety concerns recent arrest for assault with a deadly weapon among other charges include arrest for enticing a minor? Assault charges. Trespassing. All of these individuals live in our parking lot. I am not suggesting that everyone living in vehicles dangerous directly to have a legitimate concern. We have time limits on the Casino docks? City parks and buildings have no overnight restrictions? You can't walk a dog -- on Shore Boulevard, you can live in your vehicle indefinitely? Others these are implemented policies that discourage long term vehicle habitation asking council to establish time limits? Enforce existing ordinances can consider overnight parking restrictions in the commercial waterfront district can increase police? Connect individuals with community resources. We the homeowners and businesse