Florida Stadiums Could Become Homeless Shelters

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Florida state senator calls for opening stadiums to homeless 

So far, Florida taxpayers have contributed more than $261 million to 17 facilities throughout the state, including $37 million for Sun Life Stadium, where the Dolphins play.

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
So far, Florida taxpayers have contributed more than $261 million to 17 facilities throughout the state, including $37 million for Sun Life Stadium, where the Dolphins play.
By DARA KAM
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Updated: 8:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
Posted: 3:11 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, 2012

Florida professional sports teams have ignored a 25-year-old law long enough, according to Sen. Mike Bennett, who wants to use that law to force teams to refund some of the money taxpayers have spent subsidizing stadium construction.
The Bradenton Republican points to a little-known state law that requires that any professional sports facility built with state money be used as a homeless shelter when not in use for an event or activity.

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