A night in the life of a park ranger amid Florida’s public sleeping ban

Donnie Tatul won’t say exactly where he sleeps at night, but it’s in the “right places.”

Admitting to where he rests his head as someone considered unsheltered could get him in trouble, particularly now that sleeping in public overnight has been outlawed by the state.

Since the implementation of HB 1365 on Jan. 1, which bans overnight sleeping in public places — such as beaches, bus stops, sidewalks and parks — and lets the public sue local governments if the rules aren’t enforced, municipal officials have sought out solutions.  And advocates argue it’s become more challenging to be homeless, given the heightened prospect of penalties in the state. With the pressure mounting, Palm Beach County’s park rangers are doing what they can to help…

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