The recent death of Candice Roberts, a 49-year-old woman struck by a garbage truck while sleeping in a St. Petersburg alley, has ignited a debate over the city’s policies on homelessness. Roberts was killed on May 30 when driver Nathan D. Brown, retrieving a dumpster, accidentally hit her. Brown has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, though he claims he was unaware of hitting someone.
Local Ordinances Under Scrutiny
The incident has brought attention to St. Petersburg’s enforcement of ordinances that restrict public sleeping and temporary shelters. Advocates argue these measures push homeless individuals into unsafe areas. Jacqueline Azis, an attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, highlights the need to reconsider such policies, pointing out that they leave people with no safe, lawful places to sleep.
In 2024, Florida’s camping ban law increased pressure on local governments to address homelessness by enabling residents and businesses to take legal action against jurisdictions allowing unauthorized public sleeping. This law has been criticized for criminalizing homelessness rather than addressing its root causes.
Calls for Policy Change
Andy Oliver, a community activist and pastor, argues that punitive approaches are ineffective. He emphasizes that providing housing, not handcuffs, is the solution to homelessness. Oliver, who had previously spoken with Roberts, noted that many homeless individuals avoid shelters due to past traumas or thefts.
Azis revealed that St. Petersburg made approximately 500 arrests of homeless individuals between January 2024 and August 2025, a figure she attributes to policy choices prioritizing arrests over providing shelter. Both Azis and Oliver advocate for expanding affordable housing and social services.
While St. Petersburg has programs like a police department outreach team to assist with housing, the city has not commented on the current situation. The tragedy of Roberts’ death continues to spotlight the urgent need for compassionate and effective solutions to homelessness.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
