News Summary
Ronicca Whaley, owner of Shiso Crispy, has filed a lawsuit against St. Petersburg, claiming the city’s policies on homelessness are harming her business. The lawsuit highlights disruptions caused by public sleeping in downtown, particularly near her restaurant. Whaley’s claims include disturbances such as public defecation and threats, backed by police reports. The lawsuit seeks enforcement of state laws against public sleeping. This action reflects the tensions between local businesses and homelessness in St. Petersburg as the city grapples with rising homelessness.
St. Petersburg, FL – Ronicca Whaley, the owner of Shiso Crispy, has filed a lawsuit against the city, asserting that the rise in homelessness in downtown St. Petersburg is significantly harming her restaurant’s business. The lawsuit, filed on July 28, 2025, cites that the city’s policies, which permit individuals to sleep in public areas, have led to disruptions that discourage customers from patronizing her establishment.
The legal action includes photographic evidence highlighting individuals sleeping outside in the downtown area, particularly around Williams Park, which is in close proximity to the Shiso Crispy restaurant. This evidence is a crucial component of Whaley’s claim that the city is failing to address issues that directly affect her business operations.
Whaley did not provide on-camera remarks, stating that the complaint itself conveys her position. The lawsuit brings to light a series of complaints about public disturbances attributed to the unhoused population. Among the accusations are claims of public defecation and threats of violence that have been reported by both Whaley and customers in the vicinity of the restaurant. Police reports support these allegations, indicating a troubling trend of disruptive behaviors occurring near her café.
Whaley’s concerns are echoed by mixed reactions from local residents. While some acknowledge the challenges posed by the presence of homeless individuals in the area, others emphasize the necessity to strike a balance between supporting city businesses and providing assistance to the unhoused community. One local resident noted that there have been no significant improvements in the situation regarding the homeless over the last two months, pointing to a persistent issue in the community.
The lawsuit alleges that the city is in violation of state laws that prohibit public sleeping and camping. Whaley seeks a judicial ruling that would compel city officials to enforce these laws, asserting that the current situation undermines both business operations and public safety. The city’s police department has previously communicated to Whaley that their hands are tied, unable to take necessary action to remove individuals from the park or the areas surrounding her restaurant.
Grievances surrounding the homelessness issue have prompted city officials to maintain updated ordinances related to homelessness and panhandling on their website. However, in light of this pending litigation, the city of St. Petersburg has opted not to comment on the lawsuit. With the lawsuit officially filed, the city has 20 days from July 29, 2025, to respond to the legal complaints made by Whaley and her representatives.
This legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between business owners, residents, and the homeless population in St. Petersburg. While the city grapples with rising homelessness, the implications for local businesses continue to mount, raising questions about how municipal policies can effectively support all community members. As this situation evolves, the outcome of the lawsuit may set a precedent for how the city addresses homelessness and its impact on the local economy.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: While Homelessness Decreases, More Kids Lack Stable Housing
- ABC Action News: St. Pete City Council Works to Make Downtown Cleaner
- I Love the Burg: Innovare’s Affordable Housing
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Debates Downtown Clean & Safe Program
- St. Pete Catalyst: HUD Awards $6.6M to Support Pinellas Homeless Services
- Google Search: Homelessness in St. Petersburg
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
