Advocates: Public camping ban could hurt victims displaced by Hurricane Helene

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Helene’s storm surge displaced many families who are leaning on any help they can get.

Marla Bautista founded The Bautista Project which helps those in need find housing and food.

“Those families are facing transitional homelessness,” Bautista said.

Bautista fears some won’t bounce back after flooding wiped away homes, cars, and cash in bank accounts. She’s even more concerned about a new law banning camping or sleeping on public streets, sidewalks, and parks in Florida.

It went into effect Tuesday. It was signed into law months before the storm but didn’t go into effect until Hurricane Season.

“The timing of this ban post-hurricane is really unsettling,” Bautista said.

FEMA offers housing help, and the state is offering travel trailers to help people recover as they rebuild or find a new home.

Steve Berg with the National Alliance to End Homelessness said he fears that’s not enough with the current price tag for repairs, insurance, houses, and rent.

“There are places all over the Gulf Coast,” Berg said. “You can go back for storms and hurricanes from years ago, from decades ago, and people are still homeless.”

Back in March while in Miami Beach, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the new law is about public safety.

“It will help maintain and ensure that Florida streets are clean and that Florida streets are safe for our residents,” DeSantis said.

The state also has $30 million to allocate to local governments, if no other shelter options are available.

“The bill also provides alternatives when homeless shelters have reached max capacity,” DeSantis said.

A fine could be $50 and/or up to 30 days in jail.

The Sarasota Sheriff’s Office said it’s enforcing the law. Pinellas Deputies are leaning on social workers and others for compliance, instead of deputies enforcing the law.

The Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office said it’s a question for county government leaders. At the time of publishing, there’s no response from the county.

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