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Mayor’s Message continued

Community Court, we also have been working with the Not only is that not humane, it’s not legal. Federal judges
Salvation Army to provide a day respite center and with have repeatedly ruled that encampments cannot be closed
faith-based groups to create a stable program to meet daily unless the community has provide a reasonable alternative.
food needs. This is a major initiative and has taken a while That’s what we are doing.
to start, but we needed the time so we could attempt to Societies are often judged by how they deal with their less
ensure we get it right.
fortunate. Through these efforts, we will address homelessness
The last attempt that the city made in dealing with compassionately while also addressing the concerns about
homelessness downtown failed because it was heavy community appearance and safety that many residents and
handed and did not address the complete spectrum of businesses have. I would like to thank the United Way of
what is needed. There was also no buy-in from some key Broward County and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance for
groups committed to supporting the homeless. We were spearheading this monumental undertaking.
criticized nationally and sued over what transpired. We Sincerely,
are determined not to repeat those mistakes.
I often receive calls or emails saying bulldoze the Dean Trantalis
encampment or send the police in to make mass arrests. Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale

10 The Landings & Bay Colony