PLANT CITY, Fla. (WFLA) — Nearly a dozen residents of the Patriot Inn in Plant City expressed feeling hopeless after receiving a letter from the city indicating they must vacate by the following week.
The former property manager stated that residents of the 13-room inn pay $285 a week. Several residents informed 8 On Your Side that their primary concern is maintaining a roof over their heads.
“I work every day. I don’t see why somebody that works every day should be homeless,” said Paul Meier, who’s lived there for four years.
Meier mentioned that he and his neighbors received a letter on Sept. 16, notifying them that the city had purchased the Patriot Inn, intended to demolish it, and that they needed to vacate by Oct. 3.
“When I read it, I was kind of shocked and more frustrated than anything else. Only for the fact that it just seems to be a stumbling block, and it seems like no matter how hard you work nowadays you can’t seem to get ahead,” Meier said.
Bobbi High, who has lived at the inn for two months, noted that the city suggested a resource center for assistance, but upon contacting them, they were informed there was no available aid.
“They said, ‘Sorry, we’re out of funds and you’re on your own,’ basically,” High said. “Pretty helpless. Basically, feel like we’re being treated like the trash of the earth.”
8 On Your Side emailed the city asking what the plans are for demolition, what resources can be made available for the residents who are being forced to vacate, if the residents could be given more time to transition out, and if they were aware that the resource center they referred residents to had no funds available to help.
The city sent this statement in response:
“The City of Plant City appreciates the concerns of the individuals currently occupying the former Patriot Inn. The City is acting thoughtfully and compassionately as we move forward with the transition of this property from a private weekly rental residential operation to uses that align with the City’s strategic vision for the property. Residents have been afforded information on available assistance covering a variety of needs and we stand ready to provide additional information as necessary. Residents are being accommodated on the property at no charge until October 3, 2025. After that the City will proceed with the demolition process.”
Residents said they don’t want handouts, but they want to be heard and get some help.
“Put yourself in our shoes. Think about what you’re doing to people. Just because you’re in a position of power doesn’t give you the right to treat people like they’re trash,” High said.
The City of Plant City’s website does not list any homeless shelters in the city. Residents said there are no homeless shelters in the city, and they don’t have cars.
