News Summary
Ronicca Whaley, owner of Shiso Crispy, has filed a lawsuit against St. Petersburg for failing to enforce public sleeping laws, impacting her restaurant’s safety and reputation. The suit details incidents of harassment, vandalism, and threats from individuals sleeping nearby, claiming irreparable harm to her business. Local law enforcement has indicated their limitations in addressing the issue, prompting community discussions on homelessness management and safety improvements in downtown areas.
St. Petersburg – Ronicca Whaley, the owner of Shiso Crispy, has initiated legal action against the City of St. Petersburg, citing a failure to enforce public sleeping laws that she claims have resulted in harassment of her staff and patrons. The lawsuit highlights troubling incidents involving individuals who sleep outside the popular downtown restaurant and in the adjacent Williams Park. Whaley alleges that these circumstances have compromised the safety and reputation of her establishment.
The lawsuit specifically accuses local government officials of neglecting to uphold a state law prohibiting public sleeping and camping. In support of her claims, Whaley has included photographs capturing individuals resting on the ground and benches near her business. The documentation serves as evidence of the frequent disturbances faced by her restaurant, which include individuals rummaging through the restaurant’s trash, urinating and defecating on the property, and making violent threats toward Whaley and her staff.
Among the allegations are instances of derogatory name-calling directed at female employees and statements such as threats of serious physical violence. Whaley contends that the deteriorating conditions created by city inaction deter potential customers from visiting the downtown area, resulting in what she describes as “irreparable financial and reputational harm” to her business.
Whaley reported that local law enforcement indicated their inability to remove individuals from the vicinity of her restaurant, emphasizing that police can only issue verbal warnings or citations rather than enforce removal. In St. Petersburg, two city ordinances are currently in place to address public sleeping, yet enforcement remains a contentious issue.
Data from the St. Petersburg Police Department reveals that in 2024 there were 216 arrests for sleeping or reclining on the right-of-way, with an additional six arrests for sleeping in public. For the current year, these figures have risen, showing 269 arrests for sleeping on the right-of-way and 27 for sleeping in public. The spike in arrests is indicative of the ongoing struggle between local authorities and the challenges posed by homelessness in urban spaces.
In response to the unfolding situation, Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, has acknowledged the need for safe and welcoming environments for unhoused individuals. The Downtown Partnership is working to implement a “Clean and Safe” program aimed at enhancing conditions in the downtown area, which includes hiring a homeless liaison to facilitate connections between day workers and available services. These efforts signify a community-driven approach to managing homelessness while addressing the concerns of local businesses affected by the situation.
The Williams Park Partnership has also secured $800,000 in the state budget, earmarked for safety improvements in Williams Park. Planned enhancements will focus on upgrading the park’s lighting, leveling uneven areas, and repairing sidewalks, aimed at fostering a more secure and appealing environment for both residents and visitors.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the City of St. Petersburg has refrained from commenting on the pending litigation. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for local businesses and the community’s approach to homelessness and public safety in the downtown area.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Homelessness
- WFLA News
- Google Search: public sleeping laws
- TBN Weekly
- Google Scholar: public sleeping law enforcement
- WTSP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Design
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google News: St. Petersburg 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.
