City to convert police headquarters into homeless shelter

APRIL FOOLS —

A scratchy blanket and stiff pillow might have worked for Sarasota’s down-and-out population in the past, but city officials say they want the homeless to be able to live comfortably.

With the Sarasota Police Department being axed and the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office taking over policing efforts throughout the city, there are many options for the two-year-old, two-story police headquarters with its floor-to-ceiling windows and view of Payne Park. The city plans to contribute $28 million to revamp the building into a city-funded, state-of-the-art modernized homeless shelter. Construction could start as early as January.

The ground floor of the shelter will house a full-service gym with personal trainers; an Olympic-size infinity edge saltwater swimming pool; two eucalyptus-menthol steam rooms; infrared sauna and tanning beds; a spa with manicure and pedicure stations; massage rooms; a beauty boutique and barber shop; an on-site café and coffee bar open 24 hours; a movie theater; and yoga studio. The second floor will house 40 intimate suites, each with its own bathroom, bathtub and vanity, two pillow-top mattresses with hypoallergenic down duvet covers and a flat-screen TV.

Usage of the amenities will be provided on a coupon basis. Guests will be rewarded for good behavior, keeping their rooms tidy and picking up shifts at the on-site café. Guests can only be admitted to the shelter after proving that they are indeed homeless by providing an eviction notice or other document. City officials are worried the rooms will fill up fast once word gets out about the luxury shelter.

Guests will also be able to volunteer two hours of their day to equestrian training with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol Unit, which will take place on the Payne Park track.

City officials say they also want to incorporate a daily service in which all guests receive a new pair of slippers and a nightly turndown service.