Benches not coming back to Selby Five Points Park

The Sarasota City Commission voted unanimously Monday afternoon not to bring benches back to Selby Five Points Park.

The bench-removal decision was made last year after residents complained that the benches attracted transients and panhandlers and allowed them to congregate, which intimidated some citizens and tourists.

Crime statistics and a majority of public comment supported the continued removal of benches in the park.

“Uses of benches by all citizens has been previously hijacked, and I’m afraid that would be continued if the benches returned,” said Mayor Suzanne Atwell.

For more information, pick up a copy of the Thursday, April 5 edition of the Sarasota Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].