Currently, unregulated assistance programs on public property in the City of Clearwater have compromised and adversely affected neighboring properties, city tourism and recreation, and the general welfare of the citizens of Clearwater.

In order to balance the interests of religious and charitable organizations in caring for homeless persons, while furthering the compelling governmental interests of the city to promote tourism and recreation, effective January 28, 2002, the City Manager of the City of Clearwater will promulgate a policy creating public assistance areas for persons and organizations to feed, clothe, provide medical attention, or other services to transient or homeless persons within the City of Clearwater.

Effective May 15, 2002, the primary area will be the vacant lot between the City's Municipal Services Building and the Clearwater Police Department Headquarters Complex. Another city-owned parcel at 314 South Madison Avenue is designated as the secondary Public Assistance Area.The city will provide, at the public assistance location, refuse containers and bathroom facilities. These two locations are shown on the map at right.

As of May 15, 2002, the previously designated Bayfront site will no longer be available due to the construction of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge.

The City does not encourage these activities; it is the City's position that the resources of government and society in general are better applied toward addressing the many causes of homelessness and creating long-term solutions to bring the homeless back to a level of self-sufficiency. Nevertheless, for those organizations who desire to provide these services, we have established this location as an accomodation.

Any person, church, or charitable organization wanting to provide a public assistance program for transient or homeless persons on public property within the city shall conform to the following procedures and regulations:

1. Conduct organized public assistance programs only at the location designated above.

2. Conduct organized public assistance programs only during the specified times as follows:
Monday – Saturday from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

3. Clean up after each program by providing plastic bags for garbage, placing all garbage in plastic bags, and placing the plastic bags in city-provided refuse containers.

Questions may be directed to Lt. George Koder, at (727) 562-4120 or police@myclearwater.com.
(Do not use email to report crimes or incidents in progress. This email address is monitored during weekday business hours only.)