NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 18, 2002


PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AREA RELOCATED IN DOWNTOWN DISTRICT


The designated "Public Assistance Area" for individuals and organizations to feed the homeless or provide other social services for the socio-economically disadvantaged has been relocated from the Bayfront area (immediately west of the Clearwater City Hall complex) to a large, publicly owned parcel at East Avenue and Pierce Street.

Effective May 15, 2002, the vacant lot between the City's Municipal Services Building and the Clearwater Police Department Headquarters Complex will become the designated primary Public Assistance Area. Another city-owned parcel at 314 South Madison Avenue is designated as the secondary Public Assistance Area.

The change in location was done to facilitate construction needs at the Bayfront for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge, and in light of safety concerns.

The City of Clearwater will provide trash containers and collection and portable restroom facilities on the days and times established for Public Assistance Programs.

Any person, religious or charitable organization wishing to conduct a Public Assistance Program on public property for transient or homeless persons is expected to comply with the adopted procedures and regulations:

Public Assistance endeavors are to be conducted at only the designated areas on:
Monday – Saturday from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Organizers and participants are expected to clean up after each program, depositing garbage and refuse in the city-provided trash containers.

For additional information about the City of Clearwater's Public Assistance program, please contact Captain John Slack at 562-4160.


SID KLEIN
Chief of Police