News Summary
Ronicca Whaley, owner of Shiso Crispy in downtown St. Petersburg, has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming inadequate enforcement of laws against public sleeping. The complaint cites numerous instances of harassment from homeless individuals, which have affected the safety and economic vitality of her restaurant. Recent statistics suggest a rising trend in arrests for sleeping in public spaces, indicating a persistent homelessness issue in the area. The lawsuit highlights a growing divide between the needs of local businesses and the homeless population amid city efforts to manage the crisis.
St. Petersburg – A lawsuit has been filed by Ronicca Whaley, the owner of Shiso Crispy, a restaurant located in downtown St. Petersburg, against the city, alleging that local leaders are failing to enforce state laws prohibiting public sleeping. This legal action comes in the wake of ongoing harassment that Whaley and her staff have reportedly endured from homeless individuals sleeping in close proximity to her establishment and in nearby Williams Park.
Whaley’s complaint outlines numerous troubling incidents, including instances of individuals rummaging through her trash, making threats, and even engaging in urination and defecation on her restaurant’s property. There have been severe verbal threats directed at Whaley and her employees, with statements suggesting violence. The lawsuit posits that the city’s lack of action within this matter poses a serious risk to the health and safety of Whaley, her staff, and patrons at the restaurant.
Furthermore, the lawsuit asserts that the escalating situation is detrimental to the economic vitality of downtown St. Petersburg. According to Whaley, the current environment is discouraging residents and visitors from frequenting the area, which could have long-lasting effects on local businesses. She has expressed her frustration, noting that law enforcement officials have informed her of their limitations, as they can only issue verbal warnings or citations rather than removing individuals from the vicinity.
Recent statistics from the police reveal a troubling trend regarding homelessness in the area. In 2024 alone, there were 216 arrests made for sleeping on the right-of-way and six for sleeping in public spaces. This year has already seen an uptick with 269 arrests for sleeping on the right-of-way and 27 for public sleeping, highlighting the persistent nature of this issue in downtown St. Petersburg.
In response to the challenges posed by homelessness, Jason Mathis, the CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, acknowledged the ongoing concerns related to this crisis. He has emphasized the need for creating safe and clean spaces for the unhoused population, aiming to uphold their dignity while ensuring that they feel secure in the community.
Recently, efforts have been undertaken to improve safety and conditions within Williams Park, with the non-profit Williams Park Partnership receiving $800,000 dedicated to enhancements. These safety improvements will include better lighting and sidewalk repairs, intended to create a more welcoming environment for both the homeless and the community at large.
The city has also developed a Clean and Safe program plan aimed at preserving the vibrancy of downtown St. Petersburg. This initiative focuses on cleanliness and safety, underlining the importance of maintaining an appealing atmosphere for businesses and visitors.
Despite the significant issues raised by Whaley and others in the community, the city has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation. Additionally, Whaley’s legal representation has not responded to recent media inquiries regarding the specifics of the lawsuit, leaving questions unanswered about the potential implications of this case.
The growing disparities between the needs of local business owners and the homeless population continue to spark concern among stakeholders in the community. As the city grapples with the complexity of these challenges, the outcome of this lawsuit will be closely watched for its potential implications for both businesses and the homeless population in St. Petersburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Health Central: Types of Migraine in Children
- WFLA News
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- WQIK News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
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.
