Miami Beach commissioners heard from Tracy Slavens, a board member for the women and children shelter Lotus House, who shared her sympathy for homeless people who have criminal records. The newly passed ordinance eliminates the warning provision. Miami Beach already had a ban on outdoor sleeping, but that ordinance required authorities to give people a warning before giving them an opportunity to relocate. The vote was passed 4-to-3 to revise the “camping” ban.
– The Miami Beach City Commission passed a new ordinance Wednesday that would amend the city’s ban on camping and allow police to arrest homeless people who sleep outside and refuse shelter.
