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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final March 11, 2025 Commissioner Moss raised concerns about how the County would handle situations where natural disasters left individuals homeless. In response, Chairman Flescher clarified that the County Administrator had the authority to issue emergency orders to adjust regulations as necessary during such crises. County Attorney Jennifer Shuler added that during declared emergencies, lawsuits against the County would be off the table. The Chairman opened the Public Hearing. Public comments included concerns from Arianna Lauritano of RiteLife Services, who argued that the Ordinance risked criminalizing homelessness without addressing its root causes. She advocated for more supportive measures rather than fines and arrests. Marty Mercado from Hope for Families Center highlighted the challenges faced by children experiencing homelessness and suggested that coordinated community efforts were essential to assist families in need. Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County, criticized the Ordinance for placing first responders as social workers, and calling for amendments to enhance connections between individuals and necessary services. She recommended considering innovative strategies such as emergency shelters and expanded outreach initiatives. Rayme Nuckles from the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council encouraged the Board to adopt measures preventing displacement and suggested involving the Homeless Continuum of Care in decision-making regarding individuals on public property. Christian Hammarskjold, a Homeless Children's Services Foundation Board Member, emphasized the importance of collaborating with various organizations to address homelessness, warning that involving law enforcement could complicate matters for struggling families. Resident Lalita Janke called for a compassionate community response, proposing temporary housing solutions, and postponing punitive measures for those recently released from jail or facing economic hardship. In response, Attorney Hicks clarified the Ordinance concerning public camping, detailing that potential penalties outlined in Section 4 would come into play only after warnings had been issued. He explained that "public camping" was not strictly defined but included streets and County properties while excluding private land and fields. Notably, the Ordinance did not explicitly address individuals living in vehicles but focused on public spaces. Attorney Hicks suggested requiring law enforcement to connect with local service providers when dealing with such situations, allowing for flexibility in addressing Indian River County, Florida Page 12