• Search   • All content   • Business listings  Homeless Man May
Change Law  On His Behalf, The Aclu Filed A Suit Challenging An
Orlando Rule Against Sleeping In Public.  June 2, 1999|By Susan
Clary of The Sentinel Staff  On a recent night, James Joel sat
on the cold concrete of Wall Street Plaza in Orlando, smoking a
cigarette and watching diners enjoy drinks at a nearby cafe.
The soles of his black-tasseled shoes were worn down, revealing
his swollen feet. As the hours wore on, he fought to stay awake.
Joel, 40, knew that if he fell asleep in the downtown plaza he
could spend a night in jail. A city ordinance prohibits sleeping
in public.  Joel has been arrested twice for ``camping,'' as the
offense is called. The second time, the American Civil Liberties
Union came to his rescue.  The group filed suit on his behalf in
Orlando federal court, claiming the city ordinance violates
Joel's civil rights and unfairly targets the homeless.  Sometime
this fall, a judge is expected to decide.  ``It's an awful feeli