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Palatka commissioners discuss daytime sheltering and limits under HB 1365
Summary
Commissioners heard updates on daytime sheltering, discussed wraparound services and legal limits under HB 1365, and flagged new grant opportunities to address homelessness.
Palatka City Commission members on April 24 discussed steps to manage daytime sheltering for people experiencing homelessness and the legal limits on enforcement under recent state law. City staff outlined current daytime arrangements and pointed to grant opportunities to support housing services.
City Manager said the city has adjusted hours for daytime services and is working with partners to improve transitions from early-morning gatherings to an established shelter. “We have increased the leasing. They're more than, like, at, they're there, like, say, 7AM in the morning to about 08:30, just making sure that that transition is happening,” the City Manager said.
The discussion followed repeated public concern about people congregating downtown in the morning and reports of unsanitary conditions. Commissioner Blahn and others said wraparound services—counseling, referrals and other supports—are needed in addition to overnight shelter. “They need those wraparound services that are not being provided,” Commissioner Blahn said.
City Attorney provided a legal briefing on enforcement options under HB 1365, the recent state law addressing public sleeping and camping. The attorney said the law applies to public property only and limits enforcement options, and that it was passed as an unfunded mandate. “It does not allow for enforcement to go on to buy the property. It only pertains to your public property,” the City Attorney said.
Commissioners discussed local steps: identifying city‑owned vacant properties that might host daytime services, coordinating with county and nonprofit partners, and pursuing a grant the attorney described as a “grant to end homelessness and create housing opportunity.” Commissioner Brown said she had accepted an appointment to a regional Continuum of Care leadership council and will report back on coordination and points of entry for services.
No formal policy vote occurred. Commissioners asked staff to continue identifying properties and funding sources and to report back with implementation options and costs.
Looking ahead, commissioners signaled interest in a time‑limited plan to provide daytime space and coordinated services while monitoring legal constraints and pursuing available grant funds.
